CZ Claims All Future Hardware Wallets Must Use Transparent Cases
Binance co-founder CZ stated that all future hardware wallets must use transparent cases. This statement was released on October 14, aiming to allow users to visually inspect for signs of tampering.
CZ's comments respond to a new tampering detection tool, tampered.app. This tool marks anomalies in hardware wallets from brands like Ledger, OneKey, and Trezor by uploading photos of the motherboard. A few days ago, reports indicated that Ledger devices sold through a single distributor were suspected of experiencing a supply chain attack, with related losses estimated at around $86 million. The distributor is CryptoBilis from Southeast Asia.
The transparent case is not a new concept. A prototype named Crystal has already adopted a transparent epoxy resin case, making internal components fully visible from the outside after sealing. Some manufacturers have launched transparent version products. CZ had previously warned about the suspected supply chain attack affecting recent Ledger hardware wallet buyers.
YZi Labs has invested in hardware wallet projects OneKey and SafePal, as well as the mobile wallet Trust Wallet. CZ clarified that he does not oppose hardware wallets or self-custody solutions, as different products suit different scenarios. Transparent cases make physical implants or modifications easier to detect, but firmware authentication still plays a major verification role.
Funds are shifting from opaque case products to visually inspectable designs. Users can reduce the risk of purchasing tampered devices through direct observation. Distributors and supply chain segments are under pressure to ensure device integrity. Manufacturers with transparent prototypes are gaining attention for their design standards. Wallets that rely on trust rather than visible inspection face higher user demands after supply chain attacks.
Source: Public Information
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CZ has long focused on crypto security and self-custody. He publicly called for transparent cases following the suspected Ledger supply chain attack report. YZi Labs has invested in hardware and mobile wallet projects such as OneKey, SafePal, and Trust Wallet. He previously emphasized that different wallets are suitable for different use cases.
Companies and related investments are shifting security verification from relying on closed cases and trust to designs that users can directly observe. Resources are moving from traditional opaque cases to transparent or inspectable structures. Users can visually reduce the risk of physical tampering when purchasing. Supply chain attacks have led distributors and manufacturers to face higher integrity requirements.
Similar transparent or tamper-proof designs have appeared in some hardware prototypes. Current hardware wallets are in a phase where user demands for physical visibility are rising after supply chain attacks.
Essentially, this represents a shift in technology and regulatory changes. Transparent cases replace some trust verification on a physical level. The mechanism is to make internal components visible to users, reducing the concealment of implants or modifications in the supply chain, while shifting verification from complete reliance on manufacturers and distributors to user-executable visual inspections, with firmware and cryptographic verification still existing in parallel.
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- Transparent cases make physical tampering visible instead of concealed.
- After supply chain attacks, user verification shifts from trust to direct observation.
- Visible designs reduce risks at the time of purchase, while firmware authentication still undertakes core verification.