How Ledger protects you
Ledger devices use a Secure Element — a dedicated chip designed to resist physical and software attacks. When combined with a secure firmware and a verified supply chain, this architecture isolates critical signing operations away from your computer or phone. This means even if your host device is compromised, your keys remain safe so long as you guard your recovery phrase and verify transactions on the device screen.
Managing daily crypto tasks
Ledger Live, the native manager app, lets you check balances, send and receive funds, install coin apps on your device, and interact with staking and app integrations. For DeFi and NFTs, connect your Ledger to a companion wallet (for example, MetaMask or WalletConnect) to approve transactions from the secure element. This hybrid workflow keeps convenience without sacrificing private key safety.
Best practices
Buy only from official channels. Never share your recovery phrase or enter it online. Store backups offline — consider a safety deposit box or a steel backup plate. Keep firmware up to date by using Ledger Live, and always verify the transaction details on your device screen before confirming.