Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that use cryptography to secure and verify their transactions, as well as to control the creation of new units. This is done through a process called mining which involves a network of computers solving complex mathematical equations in order to validate and add new blocks to a public ledger known as the blockchain. The cryptographic features ensure that all transactions are secure, transparent, and immutable. The blockchain records all past transactions, allowing users to view the history of each individual coin.