Too Long; Didn't Read
Cryptocurrency first gained fame (or infamy) by enabling the rise of online dark marketplaces, where it was possible to browse crack, heroin, or LSD in the same way you might do on Amazon or eBay. The ability to send anonymous, online payments enabled an unprecedented wave of ransomware attacks. This is not only because of the ability to blackmail victims by encrypting or threatening to leak sensitive date; it also makes possible the development of a more sophisticated ecosystem where hackers can anonymously coordinate and collaborate.