H | Glossary

Hacking

Hacking is the unauthorized access or manipulation of computer systems, networks, or data, often for malicious purposes.

Hal Finney

Hal Finney was a pioneering computer scientist and cryptographer, known for his early contributions to Bitcoin and his work on the PGP encryption software.

Hard Cap

A hard cap is a fixed limit on the amount of funds that can be raised in an initial coin offering (ICO) or other fundraising efforts, beyond which no additional contributions are accepted.

Hard Peg

A hard peg is a fixed exchange rate system where a country's currency value is tied directly to another currency or a basket of currencies, with little to no fluctuation allowed.

Hardware security module

A Hardware Security Module (HSM) is a specialized, tamper-resistant device designed to securely manage, process, and store cryptographic keys and perform cryptographic operations. HSMs are used to enhance the security of sensitive data by providing a robust environment for key generation, encryption, decryption, and digital signing, ensuring that cryptographic keys are protected from unauthorized access and physical tampering.

Hardware wallet

A hardware wallet is a physical device designed to securely store cryptocurrency private keys offline. It provides an extra layer of security by keeping the keys isolated from internet-connected devices, thereby protecting them from online threats such as hacking and malware.

Hash

A hash is a function that converts an input (or 'message') into a fixed-size string of bytes, typically a digest that is unique to each unique input. Hash functions are widely used in computer science and cryptography for tasks such as data integrity verification, password storage, and digital signatures. They are designed to be fast and to produce a significantly different output even for small changes in input, ensuring data security and consistency.

Hash function

A hash function is a mathematical algorithm that transforms input data of any size into a fixed-size string of characters, typically a sequence of numbers and letters. The output, known as a hash value or hash code, is unique to each unique input, making hash functions useful for data integrity verification, password storage, and efficient data retrieval in hash tables. Hash functions are designed to be fast and to minimize the chances of different inputs producing the same output, a situation known as a collision.

Hash rate

Hash rate refers to the computational power used in cryptocurrency mining, particularly in networks like Bitcoin. It measures the number of hash operations performed per second by a miner or the entire network.

Haskell (programming language)

Haskell is a statically-typed, purely functional programming language known for its strong emphasis on immutability and mathematical precision. It features lazy evaluation, which means computations are deferred until their results are needed, enhancing efficiency. Haskell's robust type system, including type inference and higher-order functions, allows developers to write concise, expressive, and reliable code. It is widely used in academia, research, and industries requiring high-assurance software, such as finance and data analysis.

Higher Low

"Higher Low" refers to a technical analysis pattern in financial markets where the lowest price point in a given period is higher than the lowest price point in a previous period, indicating a potential upward trend.

High Risk Merchant Account

A High Risk Merchant Account is a type of bank account specifically designed for businesses that operate in industries deemed high risk by financial institutions. These industries often include sectors like online gambling, adult entertainment, travel services, and e-commerce, among others.

Hodl

HODL is a term originating from a misspelled word "hold" in a 2013 Bitcoin forum post. It has since become a popular slang in the cryptocurrency community, signifying a strategy of holding onto digital assets for the long term, regardless of market volatility. The term is often used to encourage investors to stay committed to their investments despite short-term fluctuations.

Honeyminer

Honeyminer is a cryptocurrency mining software that allows users to mine various cryptocurrencies using their computer's processing power. By running the Honeyminer application, users can contribute their computer's resources to a mining pool, earning a share of the mined cryptocurrency in return. The software is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced miners.

Hosted Payment Page

A Hosted Payment Page (HPP) is a secure, third-party web page where customers are redirected to complete their online payment transactions. This solution is commonly used by e-commerce businesses to ensure that sensitive payment information, such as credit card details, is handled securely and in compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS.

Hot Storage

Hot storage refers to data storage systems that provide quick and frequent access to data, typically used for active or frequently accessed information.

Howey test

The Howey Test is a legal standard used in the United States to determine whether a financial transaction qualifies as an "investment contract" and thus falls under the regulatory purview of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Hyperinflation

Hyperinflation is an economic condition characterized by an extremely rapid and out-of-control increase in prices, leading to the swift erosion of a currency's purchasing power. It typically occurs when a country's government prints excessive amounts of money without corresponding economic growth, often in response to fiscal crises or loss of confidence in the currency.

Glossary