# WHat is crypto

By [negritos.eth](https://paragraph.com/@negritos) · 2023-08-25

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Crypto, short for cryptocurrency, is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Cryptocurrencies operate independently of a central bank and can be transferred directly between individuals without the need for a financial institution to act as an intermediary. The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, but there are many others in circulation as well.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/aeaee5a4f3f2a3f2e86b7288a167c34af132c03edef71b218628dabb41343cf3.jpg)

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*Originally published on [negritos.eth](https://paragraph.com/@negritos/what-is-crypto)*