Cryptocurrency, often referred to as "crypto," is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (such as dollars or euros), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology.
Blockchain is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers. Each transaction is securely encrypted and linked to the previous one, forming a chain of blocks. This technology ensures transparency, security, and immutability of transactions without the need for a central authority, like a bank.
Bitcoin, created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, was the first cryptocurrency and remains the most well-known and widely used. Since then, thousands of other cryptocurrencies, often referred to as altcoins, have been created, each with its own unique features and purposes.
Cryptocurrencies can be used for various purposes, including online purchases, investment, remittances, and as a means of transferring value across borders quickly and relatively cheaply. However, they are also subject to volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and security risks, so investing in them carries a degree of risk.