Bitcoin, the Evolution & Revolution of Money
WHAT IS BITCOIN?
Bitcoin is one of many digital currencies, but has become the most well known as it was the first, and is currently the biggest and most valuable. This new breed of digital currency is known as cryptocurrency. It is entirely digital and there are no physical notes or coins. There is also no central authority, reserve bank or government behind cryptocurrencies and it is controlled entirely by the public through a decentralized peer-to- peer (P2P) network.
HOW DOES BITCOIN WORK?
It is important to understand the underlying principles and technology of cryptocurrencies first. Conventional technology has always focused on storing and/or processing data through central servers, with an organization responsible for this infrastructure and maintaining its security. However, as history has proven, and almost every day, these existing systems are being attacked, hacked and data is compromised or stolen. These traditional payment solutions are also expensive.
Bitcoin is built with a technology called blockchain which challenges this conventional wisdom and uses a public ledger that records every transaction. This public ledger is available to anyone within the network. Now, logic says this would be less secure, however because the complete blockchain sits on thousands of computers around the globe, each time a transaction takes place, it gets verified and updates across every node, plus each transaction is encrypted using a complex algorithm i.e. cryptography, hence the name Cryptocurrency. In order for the integrity of the data to be compromised, hackers would have to compromise multiple nodes and the encryption simultaneously with precision timing. This approach to securing data makes this type of technology far more secure than conventional systems, faster and cheaper, and virtually impossible to hack.
WHY IS BITCOIN VALUABLE?
The reason that Bitcoin is valuable is a combination of the limited supply (21 million), high demand, excellent security and most importantly, the ability to move value (transact) across the world, anonymously, direct to someone without the need of intermediaries, such banks, governments or authorities. The Internet, and transacting over the Internet securely has become an integral part of our lives and now, cryptocurrencies are making all of this possible faster, cheaper and more securely.
WHERE TO BUY AND SELL BITCOINS?
Bitcoins can be bought through cryptocurrency exchanges. These exchanges convert your fiat currency (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.) into digital currency like Bitcoin. You will also need a digital wallet to store your cryptocurrency, however many exchanges offer you a free wallet, either accessible via their website or as an App for your phone.
