1. Decentralized Network: A decentralized cryptocurrency has no central authority or governing body, meaning the network is maintained and secured by a global network of computers running the nodes of the particular blockchain protocol.
2. Peer-to-Peer Transactions: All transactions are handled directly between users without the need for an intermediary like a bank or a payment processor. This also eliminates the risk of double-spending, as all transactions are recorded on a permanent shared ledger that’s updated in near real-time.
3. Immutability: All transactions on a blockchain are permanent and immutable. Once a transaction is recorded, it can never be altered or undone.
4. Security: Cryptocurrency networks are secured by cryptography, with users able to securely send and receive funds without the risk of fraud or identity theft.
5. Anonymity: Transactions on cryptocurrency networks are anonymous, so only the sender and receiver are aware of the details of the transaction.