crypto

The term **'crypto'** is short for **cryptocurrency** or **cryptography**, depending on context.

- In the context of **finance and technology**, *crypto* most often refers to **cryptocurrency**, which is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptographic techniques to secure transactions and control the creation of new units (for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum).
- In the context of **computer science and security**, *crypto* can be shorthand for **cryptography**, which is the practice and study of secure communication techniques that protect information from third parties.