Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates on a decentralized computer network without a central authority like a government or bank. Transactions and ownership records are maintained on a public ledger called a blockchain, which is distributed across many participants to ensure security and transparency.
Bitcoin, launched in 2009, was the first cryptocurrency and remains the most well-known. Since then, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have emerged, including Ethereum, Tether, and Solana, each with different features and uses. Cryptocurrencies enable peer-to-peer transactions globally, often with low fees and without intermediaries, making them an alternative to traditional money.
Cryptocurrency units are created through "mining," which involves solving complex mathematical problems using computer power, or they can be bought from brokers and stored in digital wallets. Ownership is controlled by cryptographic keys: a private key (kept secret) allows spending, and a public key allows receiving funds.