*Cryptocurrency* is a digital currency secured by cryptography and typically built on *blockchain technology*. It is decentralized, meaning it isn't controlled by any government or central authority.

Key points:

- *Examples*: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), and many others.

- *Uses*: Investment, payments, decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and smart contracts.

- *Advantages*: Fast transactions, lower fees, global accessibility, and transparency.

- *Risks*: Price volatility, security threats (like hacking), and regulatory uncertainty.