Monero (cryptocurrency)

Unlike most cryptocurrencies today, Monero is based on the CryptoNote protocol. The CryptoNote whitepaper was originally written by pseudonymous author Nicolas van Saberhagen in 2012, and updated in 2013. The protocol only allows the approximate amount of a transaction to be known, while the origin, destination, or actual amount remain hidden. Though Monero allows a hidden trace of every transaction made, their users still have the privilege to share certain information selectively. All Monero accounts have their own distinctive view key which allows users to check a specific account’s transactions.

Acquiring Monero is possible through cryptocurrency exchanges like Poloniex, Bitfinex, Kraken and others. Poloniex was the first cryptocurrency exchanges, that offer Monero starting in July 2014.