What is Bitcoin Cryptocurrency?

Bitcoin this, Blockchain that. All we ever hear about lately is how cryptocurrencies and the blockchain are going to transform the world. But what exactly is this new tech and how does it work?

Cryptocurrency is a digital currency that uses cryptography for security, which makes it difficult to counterfeit. The most well-known cryptocurrency that you may have heard of is Bitcoin. Despite is fluctuating value, it still remains the most popular form of digital currency today.

Cryptocurrencies have become a global phenomenon, as Thomas Carper, US-Senator said: “Virtual currencies, perhaps notably Bitcoin, have captured the imagination of some, struck fear among others and confused the heck out of the rest of us.” (1)

To cut to the chase, Bitcoin is created and held electronically to enable payments to be sent between users without passing through a central authority such as a bank.

What are the origins of Cryptocurrencies?

So let’s go right back to the beginning and break this down. Cryptocurrencies emerged as a side product of another invention. The unknown inventor of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto never intended to invent a currency but instead a Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System. The concept resembles peer-to-peer networks for file sharing.

The most important part of Satoshi’s invention was that he found a way to develop a decentralised digital cash system, something many have attempted and failed to accomplish in the past.

In a decentralised network like Bitcoin, every single participant needs to ensure that there is no ‘double spending’. Simply, double spending is a fraudulent technique of spending the same amount twice. The traditional solution was a trusted central server that kept records of the balances and transactions. However, this method always entailed an authority in control of your funds and personal details.

What can you do with Bitcoin?

Bitcoin can be used for online transactions between individuals and nowadays, there are a lot of merchants that accept Bitcoin as a form of payment unlike before. They range from online retailers like Overstock and Newegg to local shops, bars and restaurants. Bitcoins can also be used to pay for hotels, flights, jewellery, Apps and computer parts, or even a college degree.

What is Blockchain and how does it work?

In the instance of cryptocurrencies this is where Blockchain comes in. Blockchain is a public ledger of all transactions that have ever happened within a network, available to everyone. This means that everyone in the network can see every account’s balance, allowing the digital currency to operate independently of a central bank. In order for a cryptocurrency network to work, all participants must be in agreement about the legitimacy of balances and transactions.

Blockchain in healthcare

There are many ways blockchain technology can improve the design and deployment of European Electronic Health Records. For example, blockchain can improve the security of patients records, store consent – reducing administrative burden- and optimise the nursing profession.

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----Baseline Risk--------

All crypto-assets are risky, regardless of the type of token you hold. Here are some ‘baseline’ risks to be aware of before deciding to invest.

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Investment risk: The performance of most crypto-assets can be highly volatile, with their value dropping as quickly as it can rise. You should be prepared to lose all the money you invest in crypto-assets.

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Lack of protections: Crypto-assets are largely unregulated and neither the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) nor the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) will protect you in the event something goes wrong with your crypto-asset investments.

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Crypto-assets are complex: It may be difficult to understand the risks associated with a crypto-asset investment. Do your own research and if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: Putting all your money into a single type of investment is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on any one to do well. A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments such as crypto-assets.