At its core, cryptocurrency is typically decentralized digital money designed to be used over the internet. Bitcoin, which launched in 2008, was the first cryptocurrency, and it remains by far the biggest, most influential, and best-known. In the decade since, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum have grown as digital alternatives to money issued by governments.

At its most basic, a blockchain is a list of transactions that anyone can view and verify. The Bitcoin blockchain, for example, contains a record of every time someone sent or received bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies and the blockchain technology that powers them make it possible to transfer value online without the need for a middleman like a bank or credit card company.

Imagine a global, open alternative to every financial service you use today, accessible with little more than a smartphone and internet connection.

Almost all cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin, are secured via blockchain networks. Which means their accuracy is constantly being verified by a huge amount of computing power.

The list of transactions contained in the blockchain is fundamental for most cryptocurrencies because it enables secure payments to be made between people who don’t know each other without having to go through a third-party verifier like a bank.

Blockchain technology is also exciting because it has many uses beyond cryptocurrency. Blockchains are being used to explore medical research, improve the accuracy of healthcare records, streamline supply chains, and so much more.

Due to the cryptographic nature of these networks, payments via blockchain can be more secure than standard debit/credit card transactions.

Use a password manager

Your passwords should be at least 16 characters, extremely complex and unique for your accounts. That’s hard to do by yourself, but password managers like 1Password or Dashlane can be used to create and remember your passwords.

Are you currently using a password that has been exposed in a third-party data breach somewhere? You can check to see if you’re using a risky password by visiting haveibeenpwned.com/Passwords.

Stay smart out there

It’s not only important to play defense with the right security tools when protecting your accounts, but it’s also important to stay vigilant in the wild. Some guidelines:

Don’t make yourself a target

Don’t brag about your cryptocurrency holdings online, just like you wouldn’t advertise inheriting $50 million.

Review your online presence with this easy self-assessment.

Don’t fall for tricks

Hackers posing as tech support — even bad actors posing as Coinbase customer support specifically — may pressure you for account credentials. DKX will never ask you for passwords, 2FA codes, PIN numbers or for remote access to your computer.

DKX will never ask you to create test accounts on other platforms or provide your ID or banking information over email or social media. We do not offer Facebook support chat and we will never call you by phone.

Check the URL

Scammers create fake sites that look like real exchanges but are designed to steal account information. Double check the web address before you login into your account or input any of your credentials.

If we emailed you and include a link, copy the link and paste it into a text editor before entering it into your browser to make sure you know where the link is really taking you.

Gas fees are an integral part of the blockchain. They are transaction costs that users pay to execute operations on the network. These operations can range from simple transactions, like sending Ether (ETH) from one address to another, to more complex interactions with smart contracts.

The concept of gas was introduced as a form of remuneration for validators who maintain and secure the Ethereum blockchain. Validators, who verify and process transactions on the network, receive these fees. The DRX fees are priced in tiny fractions of the cryptocurrency KCT.