What is cryptocurrency? A beginner's guide to digital money

Cryptocurrencies are founded on a blockchain—a virtual shared book that records transactions on many computers

Cryptocurrency is a form of digital or virtual money that employs cryptography for security. Governmental money differs in that cryptocurrencies exist on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology. Bitcoin, which began in 2009, is the most widely known, but there are currently thousands of other digital currencies, including Ethereum, Solana, and Tether. How cryptocurrency works

Cryptocurrencies are founded on a blockchain—a virtual shared book that records transactions on many computers. A transaction is placed in a "block" each time it's performed and then linked to the previous block, forming a chain. It offers security and transparency without the need for a central body like governments or banks.

There is a digital wallet for each user to store their cryptocurrency. Payments are made by the transfer of coins from one wallet to another through private and public keys, which are passwords and addresses. After verification by the members of the network (typically known as miners or validators), the transactions become irreversible records on the blockchain.

Why cryptocurrency is important

Cryptocurrencies are popular globally for some reasons:

• Decentralization: They are not controlled by governments and central banks.

• Security and transparency: Each transaction is publicly recorded and secured through advanced cryptographic methods.

• Lower transaction cost: Especially in international payments, crypto may be quicker and cheaper than the traditional banking system.

• Investment opportunity: Cryptocurrencies are viewed by many as a store of value or a high return-on-investment speculative asset.

Risks and challenges

While promising, cryptocurrencies do pose risks. They are extremely volatile in price—Bitcoin, for example, has experienced wildly fluctuating prices. Security is another risk; blockchains are secure, but electronic wallets and exchanges have been hacked.

Regulations on cryptocurrencies also vary widely from nation to nation. Governments have embraced some, others have banned or restricted their use due to concerns over money laundering, tax evasion, and financial instability.

What to be aware of before investing

If you're going to be investing in cryptocurrency, you should do your research. Learn about the coin you're investing in by name, the technology it's built on, its use case, and the team behind it. Consider the platform you're trading on—whether it's a reputable exchange with a good reputation.

They generally advise crypto to be a small percentage of your overall investment portfolio due to its volatility. Safeguarding your investments through secure storage methods, such as hardware wallets, and enabling two-factor authentication can also avoid loss.

Cryptocurrency is an unprecedented transformation of how people think about and use money. While it offers exciting potential for innovation, investment, and financial freedom, it also poses uncertainty, regulatory ambiguity, and security risks. As with all financial decisions, it's always wise to stay up to date, exercise caution, and act on your financial goals and risk tolerance.