A cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that uses cryptography to ensure transaction security and control the creation of new units. Unlike traditional currencies, cryptocurrencies operate in a decentralized manner, without the need for intermediaries such as banks or governments.
Main features:
1. Decentralization
- Works through peer-to-peer networks
- Does not depend on central authorities
- Transactions validated by the network itself
2. Security
- Uses advanced encryption
- Immutable records on the blockchain
- Virtually impossible to counterfeit
3. Transparency
- All transactions are public
- Full history available
- Traceability of operations
Main cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin (BTC): The first and best known
- Ethereum (ETH): Pioneer in smart contracts
- Binance Coin (BNB): Currency of the largest global exchange
- Cardano (ADA): Focus on sustainability
- Solana (SOL): High transaction speed
Advantages:
- Fast and global transactions
- Low fees compared to traditional systems
- Greater financial privacy
- Inflation protection (in some cases)