Cryptocurrencies are a kind of digital money underpinned by encryption and blockchain technology. Unlike the US dollar or the euro, they’re not backed by government agencies and don’t have central data storage points. Instead, transactions are recorded in a massive public ledger called the blockchain, where anyone with an internet connection can check the integrity of the records and verify the authenticity of any given cryptocurrency.
The most popular cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, which was launched in 2009. Bitcoin uses a peer-to-peer network to let people send and receive it without needing an intermediary like a bank or a broker. Using a smartphone app, users can also convert their Bitcoin into cash or to other digital currencies.
In the short span of a few years, cryptocurrencies have gone from being dismissed as digital novelties to trillion-dollar technologies with the potential to disrupt global finance. However, some consumers remain confused about what they are and how they work.
There are many kinds of crypto, from a traditional coin like Bitcoin to stablecoins that promise to hold their value. Some are centralized while others are decentralized. Some rely on mining, an energy-intensive process where computers solve complicated puzzles to validate other cryptocurrency transactions. Other cryptos are backed by government agencies or companies, while others have no ties to any entity at all.
One of the biggest risks associated with investing in crypto is its price volatility. It’s not uncommon for the value of some cryptocurrencies to jump up and down by large amounts in a matter of hours or days. That’s why it’s important to diversify and spread your investment across several different currencies.
Another risk is that some cryptocurrency platforms may be hacked, have security issues or shut down entirely. Since crypto holdings are not insured by the federal deposit insurance program, you could lose some or all of your money if those platforms go out of business. In addition, many investors use third-party custodians to store their coins, and those services are not subject to the same regulation as banks.
Despite their volatility, cryptocurrencies offer unique opportunities to expand people’s economic freedom worldwide. They can be used to make international payments at lower costs than traditional wire transfers or currency conversions. And their essential borderlessness lets people move funds between countries without worrying about government controls or inflated local currency prices.
It’s also worth remembering that scammers often target crypto enthusiasts, so be wary of anyone who tries to contact you unexpectedly and asks for money in exchange for a job or any other service. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never request payment in cryptocurrency, and should always communicate with you through established channels.