What are cryptocurrencies?

A cryptocurrency is a digital alternative currency. That means it doesn’t have physical bank notes or coins and is not issued by a government.

Bitcoin is one of the most popular cryptocurrency started in 2009 by a software developer.
Bitcoin gained popularity as a way to send money quickly and pretty much anonymously, because transactions don’t need to be linked to a certain identity. Transactions are tracked on an online database called blockchain. People use bitcoin to send money to friends and relatives in other countries.

What is Ethereum?

Etereum was developed in 2013 by a torronto native Vitalik Buterin.
Ethereum sets itself apart for its ability to incorporate “smart contracts,” or computer-based contracts that only pay parties after certain conditions have been met and verified

Why are prices so high for these cryptocurrencies?

In april Japan recognized bitcoin making it legal which causes increase in its price.
Other countries in Asia like south korea and Malaysia may also recognize it according to investors.
Prices for bitcoin and ethereum have also jumped this year in part because there’s been a flurry of initial coin offerings, or ICOs, which start-ups use to create new digital currencies.

Where can I track their prices?

There are several websites like coindesk.com poloniex.com coinmarketcap.com etc

What are the risks of these cryptocurrencies?

Because market of digital currencies is still small therefore there is so much volatility and one can have sudden loss due price changes. There is no guarantee that exchange rate for the digital currencies will be same next moment or next day.
Because the currencies are virtual and unregulated, the transactions and exchanges can be vulnerable to hacks.
To avoid the risk of loss one should buy more than one cryptocurrencies.

How do you buy cryptocurrencies?

The easiest way for people to buy cryptocurrencies is to use an online platform, such as Coinbase, Blockchain and BitGo, which lets you exchange dollars for digital currencies.