Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cryptocurrency?

The chosen answer highlights a nuanced understanding of cryptocurrency's characteristics. While it may seem that cryptocurrency transactions are traceable because they are recorded on a blockchain, the reality is more complex. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin offer a pseudonymous system where transactions are linked to wallet addresses, not to personal identities. This means while transaction histories can be tracked on the blockchain, identifying the parties involved requires additional information that is often not publicly available. This underscores the fact that transactions cannot be easily traced back to specific individuals, distinguishing it clearly from the notion of straightforward traceability.

In contrast, accessing cryptocurrency generally requires internet connectivity, making it widely available online. Additionally, the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies is a foundational principle, allowing them to operate without a single authority or central entity. Lastly, the use of cryptocurrencies in illegal activities, such as ransom payments, highlights how some actors exploit its characteristics. Thus, the idea that cryptocurrency is easily traceable is a misconception, which makes it the correct choice for characteristics that do not apply to cryptocurrency.