Cryptocurrencies and other such digital assets are an indication of how technological innovation is influencing the global finance sector. The traditional monetary system has several problematic features. Many consumers consider it outdated and ineffective in the modern world. Therefore, cryptocurrencies emerged as a ray of hope by being an effective alternative to conventional economic setup.
As a result, a large number of organizations are trying different ways of including cryptocurrencies in their working model. Several big names of various sectors have paved the way for crypto’s inclusion in their ecosystem. However, there is still a long way to cover the crypto sector. From the tech sector to the tourism industry, retail arena to the business world, everyone is getting linked to crypto in one way or the other.
Use of crypto as a revenue source
Many brands and organizations are looking to utilize crypto as a revenue source. They are exploring ways of accepting crypto for payments and transactions. Once they start doing this, they can either hold it as an investment asset or convert it into fiat. Many brands even use crypto for trading and investing as well. They make use of apps, like the Bitcoin Profit to receive trading calls and signals. It offers them an opportunity to capitalize and earn profits over their existing assets.
The acceptance of cryptos like Bitcoin from the likes of Microsoft, PayPal, Amazon, and Starbucks shows that large-scale businesses find potential in cryptocurrencies as a payment gateway. Not only this, but small businesses are showing the most interest in the use of crypto. They believe that crypto can help them in scaling their business by ensuring more consumer convenience. Through a more feasible payment mechanism, more users will reach out to small businesses.
Also, there are several applications that support crypto payments. These apps can be linked to the business app to receive crypto payments. Users will conveniently pay from their mobile applications, as the business will amass more revenue. However, many brands are also reluctant in supporting crypto payments because of the risks associated with them.
Security concerns associated with the acceptance of cryptocurrencies
One major criticism against crypto payments is that it is very insecure and unsafe. Many critics argue that storing crypto assets can be risky, as hackers and cybercriminals can wash the accounts. Even though there have been many such reported cases, the crypto space is overcoming this nuisance through effective measures and security protocols.
Brands that accept payments in crypto either store assets on crypto wallets or on exchanges. Crypto wallets do not require the contribution of a third party. They are protected by passwords and seed phrases. However, users could lose their funds if they forgot the seed phrase. Also, such wallets can be compromised through phishing attacks or malware attempts.
Also, using and securing a crypto seed phrase can be a major issue. You may want to write it on paper or save it digitally. But none of these two ways are completely safe and sound. Many consumers use burner crypto wallets for transactions. They do not require seed phrases, as they are less technical.
Secondly, crypto-accepting brands have the option of exchanges to store their assets. These exchanges offer API and e-commerce integration solutions, offering more convenience for users. However, cybercriminals can potentially attack and drain such wallets. No matter what type of wallet you use, software vulnerabilities can be a source of major inconvenience. Moreover, users are expected to keep their credentials safe.
Many people argue that cryptocurrency payments are not safe and secure. Crypto experts say that traditional banks are always exposed to risks as well. Therefore, this is not anything that makes crypto inferior to the economic sector. Therefore, users use a physical wallet for their business. Many users also make use of a burner wallet, which is more secure to carry out transactions. Analyzing cyber security actors is the need of the hour for the crypto space, it will ensure more transparency in the sector in the long run.
The way forward!
The increasing scope and demand of cryptocurrencies also ask for more scrutiny and regulation for their use. Every now and then we come across a story, finding out that a user lost their assets in a cyberattack. This is something that brands and organizations cannot afford. Therefore, they try to stay at the safe end while avoiding crypto.
However, it is clearly evident that many businesses can scale through the integration of crypto, mainly as a payment gateway. This will only bring more audience to the brand. Also, brands that do not upgrade with time are considered outdated. Thus, having crypto as a payment mechanism is an indication that the brand or the organization is in compliance with modern technology.
Such brands can have fast and seamless payments from anywhere in the world through QR codes or simple wallet addresses. As a payment method, crypto has proven to be more effective and economical for small businesses as well as large-scale organizations. Thus, it can be evaluated that we will see more businesses that will join the trend once their security concerns are addressed.
Source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/the-use-of-cryptocurrencies-as-a-payment-mechanism/