BBB column: Just in time for Halloween: crypt-o-currency | Business

As October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, this week’s article delves into the complicated world of cryptocurrency. With the buzz of bitcoin in the news, the common question is, “Should you or shouldn’t you buy the latest new cryptocurrency or token?”

Before you make any investment decisions, it is critical to understand some of the concepts underlying this emerging world of virtual currencies.

Cryptocurrency, at its core, is digital money: a digital representation of a stored value secured through cryptography. That means that there is no physical coin or bill; you can’t pick it up or hold it in your hand because it is all online. It sounds simple, but as its name alludes, it’s a little more complicated.

Part of the confusion around cryptocurrency is that it feels a lot like how we use money in the age of credit cards and direct deposits. You want to balance your checkbook, pay a bill or shop on Amazon; you can do this online. Digital…