A hidden chip inside a hardware wallet is honestly one of the scarier security scenarios in crypto because most people assume cold storage means their funds are completely safe. But the real issue isn't just Ledger. It's whether we can trust the hardware supply chain. For me, buying a hardware wallet directly from the manufacturer is the first step, but it doesn't guarantee every component is secure. I'd also check firmware authenticity, verify the device through official software and make sure the recovery phrase is generated on the device itself. Never use a wallet that arrives with a prewritten seed phrase, and never enter that phrase into a website or random app. For larger $BTC and $ETH holdings, multisig is worth considering because it reduces reliance on a single device. The worrying part is that a sophisticated hardware implant might not be detectable through normal software checks. That's why independent security audits, tamper resistance and transparent manufacturing matter. Self custody gives us control over our assets, but it also means taking responsibility for how those assets are secured. A hardware wallet protects your private keys, but only if you can trust the hardware protecting them.