Put simply, cryptocurrency is digital money, which is designed to be secure and anonymous in some cases. It is closely related to the Internet which uses cryptography, which is basically a process where readable information is converted into an uncrackable code to record all transfers and purchases made.
Cryptography has a history dating back to World War II, when there was a need to communicate in the most secure way. Since that time, the same evolution has taken place and today it has become digital where various elements of computer science and mathematical theory are used for the purpose of securing communications, money and information on the Internet.
The first cryptocurrency
The first cryptocurrency was introduced in 2009 and is still well known around the world. Many more cryptocurrencies have been introduced in the past few years and you can find them online today.
How they work
This type of digital currency uses technology that is decentralized to allow different users to make secure payments and also store money without necessarily using a name or even going through a financial institution. They are mostly run on blockchain. Blockchain is a public ledger that is distributed publicly.
Units of cryptocurrency are usually created using a process called mining. This usually involves the use of computing power. In this way, mathematical problems that can be very complex in coin generation are solved. Users are only allowed to buy currencies from brokers and then store them in crypto wallets where they can spend them with great ease.
Cryptocurrencies and the application of blockchain technology are still in their infancy when thinking about them in financial terms. More uses may appear in the future because you never know what else will be invented. The future of transactions in stocks, bonds and other types of financial assets could very well be traded using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in the future.
Why use cryptocurrency?
One of the main features of these currencies is the fact that they are secure and offer a level of anonymity that you may not get anywhere else. There is no way a transaction can be reversed or faked. This is by far the biggest reason why you should consider using them.
The fees charged for this type of currency are also quite low, making it a very reliable option compared to conventional currency. Since they are decentralized in nature, they can be accessed by anyone, unlike banks where accounts can only be opened with authorization.
Cryptocurrency markets offer a whole new form of cash and sometimes the rewards can be great. You can make a very small investment only to find that it has grown into something big in a very short period of time. However, it is still important to note that the market can also be volatile, and there are risks associated with buying.