Fake Ledger Live Apps: How Hackers Are Stealing Crypto Wallets
A new wave of malware attacks is targeting macOS users with fake Ledger Live apps designed to steal seed phrases and drain cryptocurrency wallets. Cybersecurity experts warn that these sophisticated scams are becoming increasingly dangerous.
How the Scam Works
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Malware Installation: Hackers infect devices using tools like Atomic macOS Stealer, which lurks on compromised websites.
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App Replacement: The malware swaps the legitimate Ledger Live app with a fake version.
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Phishing Pop-Up: Victims see a fake security alert prompting them to enter their 24-word recovery phrase.
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Instant Theft: Once entered, the seed phrase is sent to hackers, who immediately access and empty the wallet.
Key Findings from Moonlock’s Report
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Over 2,800 infected websites have been identified distributing this malware.
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Four active campaigns have been tracked since August 2023.
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Hackers are improving tactics—some now claim to have "anti-Ledger" capabilities, though not all advertised features work yet.
Dark Web Activity
Cybercriminals on underground forums are actively promoting malware with:
✔ Seed phrase extraction
✔ Wallet impersonation
✔ Real-time crypto theft
Moonlock warns:
How to Protect Yourself
Recent Example
A recent tweet from Moonlock exposed one of these scams in action:
Why This Matters
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Ledger is a top hardware wallet brand, making it a prime target.
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Seed phrases = total wallet access—once stolen, funds are irrecoverable.
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Mac users at risk—many assume macOS is immune to malware, but attacks are rising.
Final Thoughts
As crypto theft evolves, staying vigilant is crucial. Always verify app sources and never share recovery phrases. Hackers are refining their methods—don’t become their next victim.
