Cryptocurrency is still a relatively new phenomenon, and as such, there are a number of issues that it is currently facing. One of the biggest problems is that cryptocurrency is often associated with criminal activity, and this has led to many people being reluctant to adopt it. Another issue is that the value of cryptocurrency can be incredibly volatile, which can make it difficult to use as a form of currency. Finally, there are concerns about the security of cryptocurrency, and whether it can be effectively regulated. Despite these issues, however, cryptocurrency still has a lot of potential, and I believe that it will become increasingly popular in the future.
Cryptocurrencies are still an environment in which users need to exercise considerable care to avoid losses, according to a report by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
The ease and security of cryptocurrency transactions have improved in recent years, but the industry still has a reputation for hacks and criminal activity that is hard to shake. While public blockchains do bring transparency to cryptocurrency transactions, they can also provide the potential for anonymous transactions. With that anonymity can come identity theft, fraud, currency manipulation, money laundering, and ransomware.
While these are straight-out criminal activities, cryptocurrencies can also be easily lost through ‘user error’ (don’t forget your passphrase!). So what issues and security challenges does the crypto industry face? Let’s find out.
Hacking and Criminal Activity
One of the most significant security challenges facing the crypto industry is the prevalence of hacks and criminal activity. In February this year, for example, Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Coincheck was hacked, resulting in the theft of $534 million worth of NEM coins.
In addition to hacks, cryptocurrencies are also often used for criminal activities such as money laundering and ransomware. In May this year, for example, Polish police arrested a gang that had been using Bitcoin to launder millions of zlotys. And in 2017, ransomware attacks such as WannaCry and NotPetya caused widespread damage, with victims including the NHS and FedEx.
Anonymity
Another issue faced by the crypto industry is the potential for anonymity. Although public blockchains do bring transparency to cryptocurrency transactions, they can also provide the potential for anonymous transactions. This anonymity can lead to a range of criminal activities such as identity theft, fraud, currency manipulation, money laundering, and ransomware.
User Error
Cryptocurrencies can also be easily lost through ‘user error’. For example, if you forget your passphrase you will lose access to your coins. So it’s important to remember to keep your information safe and secure.
Volatility
Cryptocurrency is incredibly volatile, and this makes it difficult to use as a currency. For example, if you were to buy something with bitcoin, the price of the item could change dramatically by the time you go to pay for it. This makes it difficult to use cryptocurrency as a day-to-day currency.
Regulation
Cryptocurrency is not regulated by any government or financial institution, which means that it is not subject to any laws or regulations. This can be both good and bad. On the one hand, it means that cryptocurrency is very flexible and can be used in a variety of ways. On the other hand, it also means that there is no guarantee that your money will be safe if you invest in cryptocurrency.
These are just a few of the biggest issues that cryptocurrency is facing today. Overall, it is clear that cryptocurrency has a lot of room for improvement. Hopefully, these issues will be addressed in the near future, and cryptocurrency will become a more stable and reliable investment option