#CryptoCharts101 What is Crypto?

Crypto, or more precisely cryptocurrency, is a digital or virtual currency secured by cryptography, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit or duplicate. Most crypto is a decentralized system based on blockchain technology—a distributed ledger enforced by different computer networks. This feature of decentralization is a key difference from traditional currencies regulated by governments and central banks.

Bitcoin, launched in 2009, is the first and most well-known crypto. Since then, thousands of other cryptos, known as altcoins, have emerged. Crypto can be traded, invested in, or used for specific purchases, although adoption as a payment method still varies. High volatility is a common characteristic of the crypto market.