Crypto is a form of digital money that allows people to send and receive payments without the need for a central authority. It uses encryption to verify transactions and it runs on a technology called a blockchain, which is like an online ledger that tracks and verifies assets and trades. There are many different kinds of crypto, but Bitcoin is the best known and most established. Crypto can be used to purchase goods and services, or as an investment. Its value can fluctuate, so it’s important to diversify your portfolio and keep in mind that it’s not guaranteed to increase in value.
When it was first created in 2009, Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, envisioned it as a medium for everyday transactions. While its trajectory veered somewhat at launch (it became a favorite channel for criminal activities) it’s now possible to use cryptocurrency to buy a growing range of products and services. In addition to the ability to shop, crypto also makes it possible to make international money transfers without having to explain why you’re sending a large amount of cash or go through lengthy and costly bureaucratic processes.
One of the biggest advantages of cryptocurrency is that it’s nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. The vast majority of cryptocurrencies are secured by blockchain technology, which is a record enforced by a network of disparate computers. This decentralized structure makes them immune to manipulation or interference by governments or other third parties.
Another benefit is that a person owns their own crypto—they’re not held in an account with a bank or custodian, and there’s no way to have it frozen or confiscated by a government agency. In the event that someone loses their crypto, there’s no insurance to cover it, as with a deposit in a traditional bank.
Using a secure wallet is key to securing your crypto. A wallet is a piece of software or hardware that stores your private keys, which are required to spend your crypto. The best wallets will have high-grade security features, including two-factor authentication and a strong password. Store your wallet in a safe place, preferably offline. If you want to take extra precautions, consider using a non-custodial wallet where you have full control over your private keys or even a physical hardware wallet.
There are also ways to earn a little extra crypto by “staking” your coins. Instead of mining, staking requires you to put some of your own coins at risk to vouch for new transactions on the blockchain. There are several cryptocurrencies that utilize this method, including Ethereum and Cardano.
When investing in crypto, it’s important to diversify your portfolio by buying and selling different types of assets. The crypto market is volatile, and prices can go up or down dramatically. If you’re not comfortable with dramatic swings in your investment portfolio or mental wellbeing, it might be wiser to invest in a more stable asset like real estate.