What is cryptocurrency and how does it work?

What is cryptocurrency? A cryptocurrency is a digital-only token. It uses cryptography (hence the shortened name, "crypto") to regulate how the tokens are created, how they're traded, and how secure they are. And (here's the key appeal for many) it doesn't use or need a central bank or government to control or manage them.

What is the difference between cryptocurrency and crypto tokens?

Both cryptocurrencies and crypto tokens fall under this category. Cryptocurrency: These crypto assets are also called crypto coins and are those native to blockchains. So for instance, bitcoin (BTC) is the native cryptocurrency of the Bitcoin blockchain and ether (ETH) is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain.

What are the key takeaways of cryptocurrency?

Key Takeaways. A cryptocurrency is a form of digital asset based on a network that is distributed across a large number of computers. This decentralized structure allows them to exist outside the...

Is crypto a secure currency?

“The best-known crypto, Bitcoin, is a secure, decentralized currency that has become a store of value like gold ,” says David Zeiler, a cryptocurrency expert at financial news site Money Morning. “Some people even refer to it as ‘digital gold.’” Using crypto to make purchases securely depends on what you’re trying to buy.