Cryptography

Cryptography is the use of mathematical methods to protect information, verify identity, and secure digital activity. In crypto, cryptography allows users to control assets through private keys, generate public keys and wallet addresses, sign transactions, and verify that blockchain data has not been altered. Cryptography is considered by many to be the foundation for digital signatures, hashing, and many blockchain security systems. Users are not required to understand the math behind cryptography. Still, the concept explains how wallets and networks can prove ownership without exposing a user’s private keys.

When a user sends Bitcoin, their wallet uses cryptography to create a digital signature that proves the transaction was authorized by the private key holder.