How Do Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Other Coins Work?
Cryptocurrencies use a technology called blockchain, which is essentially a database that contains a record of all of the transactions that have taken place on it. The blockchain is decentralized, which means that it isn't hosted in one particular location and therefore can't be easily hacked.
Each transaction must be checked several times before it's approved and published on the public blockchain. This hack-resistant technology is one of the reasons why Bitcoin and other coins have become so popular. They’re typically incredibly secure.
Cryptocoins are assigned to wallet addresses on their respective blockchains. Wallet addresses are represented by a series of unique letters and numbers and currency can be sent back and forth between these addresses. It's quite similar to sending an email to an email address.
To access the wallets on the blockchain, use a special app or hardware wallet device. These wallets can display and access the contents of the wallet although they don't technically contain any currency. Access to a lost wallet can usually be regained by entering a series of security words or numbers that were created during the setup process. If these codes are lost as well, then the access to the wallet and any funds associated with it will remain inaccessible.
Because of the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency technology, there are no customer service contacts that can reverse transactions sent to an incorrect address or grant access to a wallet if the owner is locked out. You're solely responsible for your cryptocoins.
Why Do People Like Cryptocurrencies?
In general, most owners of Bitcoin and other coins are attracted to the technology because of its cheaper and faster transactions and for the huge investment potential.
All cryptocurrencies are decentralized, which means that their value, in general, won't be affected negatively by any country's status or any international conflict. For example, if the United States entered a recession, the U.S. dollar would likely decrease in value but Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies wouldn't necessarily be affected. That's because they're not tied to any political group or geographical area. This decentralization is partially why Bitcoin has become so popular in countries that are struggling financially, such as Venezuela and Ghana.
Cryptocoins are also deflationary. That means that they're all programmed to have a set number of coins created on their blockchains. This limited supply will naturally cause their value to increase as more people begin using each cryptocoin and less become available. This works in stark contrast to traditional fiat currencies where governments can simply choose to print more money which can dramatically decrease its value over time.
Cryptocurrency and Hackers
Despite the numerous reports of users losing their Bitcoin to hackers, the Bitcoin blockchain and other crypto blockchains have never actually been hacked.
The incidents you hear of on the news involve the hacking of a user's computer and the subsequent gaining of access to that user's cryptocurrency wallets. Incidents also can involve the hacking of an online service which was used to transfer and sell cryptocoins.
These hacking situations are similar to how one individual could hack another individual's computer to gain bank account login information. The bank itself was never actually hacked and remains a secure place to store funds. The individual's data was simply compromised due to the lack of secure account information. Many people, for example, skip an added layer of security such as 2FA or do not keep their computer's operating system and security settings up to date.
Where Can I Buy and Sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Other Coins?
You can purchase or sell cryptocurrency for cash from special ATMs or through an online exchange. The easiest way uses a service such as Coinbase or CoinJar.
Both Coinbase and CoinJar allow for the creation of online accounts that buy or sell cryptocoins. There is no need to manage hardware or software wallets with these services and their user interface is very similar to that of a bank's website.
CoinJar only sells Bitcoin while Coinbase sells Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum and is expanding with other cryptocoins.