krypto

Krypto is a term whose meaning varies by context and language. In German and several other languages it is short for Kryptografie, the field of cryptography. In English and in common usage, crypto (often written as crypto rather than krypto) refers to cryptography broadly and, in financial contexts, to cryptocurrencies. The word ultimately derives from the Greek kryptos, meaning hidden.

As a discipline, cryptography studies how to secure information and communications. Its core ideas include encryption and decryption, keys, and algorithms, along with protocols that enable secure exchange over insecure networks. Cryptography is divided into symmetric-key methods (for example AES, ChaCha20) and public-key methods (for example RSA, ECC). Hash functions (SHA-256, BLAKE3) provide data integrity and are used in digital signatures and blockchain. Modern systems rely on cryptographic protocols such as TLS for securing web traffic and PGP for email.

In its financial sense, crypto denotes cryptocurrencies—digital assets that use cryptography and distributed ledgers to enable peer-to-peer transactions without trusted central authorities. They typically rely on blockchains and consensus mechanisms like proof of work (Bitcoin) or proof of stake (many newer networks). Notable examples include Bitcoin and Ethereum. The field raises issues such as price volatility, scalability, energy use, security concerns, and evolving regulatory treatment.

Other uses of the term appear in popular culture and branding. In some markets Krypto is a name for educational or entertainment products, or for fictional characters such as Krypto the Superdog, a Kryptonian canine from DC Comics.