Cryptography is the practice of securing information by transforming it into a format that can only be read by those who possess the appropriate key. In the context of currency systems, it ensures that transactions are secure, private, and verifiable.Hash functions play a crucial role by converting transaction data into a fixed-size string of characters, making it nearly impossible to reverse-engineer the original data. This helps maintain the integrity of transactions, ensuring that they cannot be altered once confirmed.Public and private keys are essential for conducting transactions. A public key acts like an address, allowing others to send funds to a user. The private key, however, is kept secret and is used to authorize transactions, ensuring control over one’s assets.Additionally, cryptography prevents fraud and double-spending by verifying the authenticity of each transaction on a shared ledger known as the blockchain. This decentralized approach maintains a transparent record of all transactions, minimizing the risks of manipulation or unauthorized access.