1. What Ledger Live is
Ledger Live is a local companion app that interfaces with your Ledger hardware device so you can view balances, manage accounts, and prepare transactions. Private keys remain on the hardware device; Ledger Live is the local UI that talks to it.
2. Core security components
Secure Element (hardware)
The secure chip inside Ledger devices isolates private keys from the host computer, providing tamper-resistant protection.
BOLOS & Firmware
Ledger's firmware and operating system enforce transaction verification and device integrity; apply updates from official channels.
3. Secure-login best practices
- Download Ledger Live only from official sources (ledger.com or official app stores).
- Generate the recovery phrase on the device during initial setup; never type it into a host machine.
- Verify device prompts and transaction details on the device screen before confirming.
- Keep host OS and anti-malware tools updated; avoid public or shared computers.
- Never share your recovery phrase with anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it.
4. Common threats & mitigations
Threats include fake apps, phishing, and compromised hosts. Mitigation: download only from official pages, treat unexpected messages as phishing, and verify anything on-device.
- Official Ledger Live download only
- Firmware & app updates applied
- Recovery phrase kept offline and private
- Confirm transactions on the device screen