Cryptocurrencies
are often referred to as digital money, but that is a bit of an
oversimplification. Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that can be exchanged
for online purchases, but they differ from traditional currencies in that there
is no central government or bank that controls the transactions. This means
that they are decentralized, making their worth tied to what people are willing
to pay rather than what an institute dictates their worth to be.
Two of the
most popular cryptocurrencies, and the oldest, are Bitcoin and Ethereum. While
Bitcoin is the more household name, Ethereum is the more usable cryptocurrency,
and its coin, called Ether, is quickly gaining traction in the market. For more
information about cryptocurrencies, and Ethereum in particular, check out
reputable cryptocurrency sites like OKX, which not only shows the value of
the cryptocurrency in USD, but also gives an overview of the performance of the
currency over time.
Not all
cryptocurrencies are equal and investing in the right one is imperative if you
want to make money with cryptocurrency. For example, Bitcoin, the most valuable
cryptocurrency by market capitalization, is a high-risk investment with extreme
volatility. It should be considered only if you have a high-risk tolerance, are
financially secure, and can afford to lose any money you decide to put forward.
Ethereum, on the other hand, is considered a much less risky option. This is in
part thanks to Ethereum upgrading to
version 2.0 and expanding its portfolio to support smart contracts and secure
financial transactions and behaving more like a platform to facilitate the
building of applications.
What
Are the Risks Involved in Cryptocurrency?
Aside from
the inherent volatility associated with trading and investing in
cryptocurrencies, security is another aspect to consider when it comes to
investing in this digital currency. While cryptocurrencies themselves are
secure on their own, cryptocurrency exchanges are a major weak point for this
investment. Hacks and security breaches have led to sizable losses for
investors around the world in the past year. The good news is that the surge in
cryptocurrency crimes has resulted in an increase in the number of companies
offering crypto insurance to cover such events. While these
policies don’t cover fluctuations in the market, they do give investors some
cover from cybersecurity breaches and thefts, making the practice safer than it
was when cryptocurrencies first took off.
Cryptocurrencies can be a good investment, as long as you understand the risks associated with trading in such a volatile asset. Before investing any money, do your research and find the right cryptocurrency for your needs and risk profile to ensure the best possible experience.