Cryptocurrency is a digital asset that can be exchanged instead of physical currency, using cryptography for security during transactions. Transactions are processed through decentralized blockchain networks where computers on the network must approve the transaction before it is added to the shared ledger. Cryptocurrencies can be used to buy goods from merchants that accept them, invest in their value which fluctuates greatly, mine them by contributing computing power to verify transactions, and accept them as payment for a business through crypto ATMs or payment processors.