Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. The main difference between cryptocurrencies and traditional money is their decentralized nature, achieved through blockchain technology. A blockchain is a distributed ledger where transaction records are stored across multiple computers, making them less susceptible to hacking and manipulation. The first and most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, created in 2009, but since then, many others have emerged, each with unique features and applications.

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