Ledger unveiled a new hardware wallet device called Atom on Thursday with enhanced protections against tampering. The announcement comes days after the company confirmed that wallets sold through an authorized Asian reseller contained malicious implants.
Atom is priced at $849 and combines cryptocurrency wallet functionality with everyday applications through a smartphone-like interface. The device separates Android apps from sensitive wallet operations and includes security features designed to block the implants discovered in the recent Asia incident. Ledger states that Atom can detect tampering even when powered off.
The French hardware wallet maker expects to begin shipping Atom in summer 2027. Additional features announced include support for AI agent approvals, encrypted messaging, and post-quantum cryptography.
The new device launch follows a security incident involving malicious implants found in wallets distributed by authorized reseller CryptoBilis. In response, Ledger requested that distributors in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong suspend sales of its products. European retail chain MediaMarkt also removed Ledger wallets from its shelves.
When asked about the timeline for developing Atom's anti-tampering protections, a Ledger spokesperson stated that the work was not a response to isolated incidents but did not provide specific development details.
Ledger also announced new policies for authorized resellers, requiring that devices remain off display and be handed directly to customers at purchase. The company reiterated that returned devices must not be resold.
