Monero (XMR) is a privacy-centric cryptocurrency that was launched in April 2014 as a fork of Bytecoin, a cryptocurrency that utilised the CryptoNote protocol. Monero's developers prioritised anonymity and privacy, integrating features that obfuscate the transaction details on the blockchain, such as the sender, receiver, and the amount transferred. The defining technological components of Monero include ring signatures, ring confidential transactions (RingCT), and stealth addresses, collectively ensuring that transactions are not only untraceable but also unlinkable. Monero's native cryptographic approach makes it one of the leading digital currencies for those seeking financial privacy.