Cryptocurrency, or crypto for short, is a digital or virtual currency that uses encryption techniques to secure and verify transactions and to control the creation of new units. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning they operate independently of a central bank or government, and are typically based on blockchain technology.
The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, but there are now thousands of different cryptocurrencies in existence, each with its own unique characteristics and use cases. Some popular examples include Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple. 