The Evolution of Banking Systems

Introduction to Banking Systems

• Money serves three important functions: it is a unit of measurement, a form of exchange, and a generally accepted form of payment.
• All money, no matter the form, has certain characteristics, such as durability, portability, divisibility, uniformity, and limited supply.
• Paper money was first used in China in the 10th century CE, and it was light, uniform, and portable, but also susceptible to counterfeiting.
• Banks were invented as a safe way to store money and access it when needed, and there are two kinds of banks: commercial banks and central banks.
• Commercial banks are run as businesses and charge fees, while central banks are run by governments and oversee commercial banks.
• The invention of banks led to a centralized approach to dealing with money, which relies on accurate record-keeping, trustworthiness, and safety.
• Electronic money transfers were invented to send money more quickly than by mail or cheques, and wire transfers were the first form of electronic money transfer.
• The growth of the internet led to digital banking, which includes credit cards, digital payment services, and digital wallets.
• Digital banking requires permission to use and involves a centralized ledger, which has downsides.
• Cryptocurrency was invented as a different way to think about digital money, with a decentralized ledger and no need for permission to use.
• Cryptocurrency uses blockchain technology, which is a secure and transparent way to record transactions.
• Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, invented in 2009, and it has a limited supply of 21 million coins.

Traditional and Digital Banking Systems

• Banks were invented to provide a safe way to store money while allowing access to it.
• There are two types of banks: commercial banks and central banks.
• Commercial banks are run as businesses and charge fees for their services.
• Central banks are run by the government and oversee commercial banks.
• The oldest surviving bank in the world is Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, which opened in 1472 in Italy.
• Banks use double entry bookkeeping to record transactions.
• With the invention of banks, people lost some of the features of paper-based money, such as personal responsibility for their own money.
• Banks are a centralized approach to dealing with money, relying on trustworthy people to keep accurate records and store them safely.
• Electronic money transfers were invented to send money more quickly and securely than paper cheques.
• Wire transfers were the first form of electronic money transfer, using telegraph wires.
• Digital banking has grown with the rise of the Internet, with most people accessing their money through computer networks.
• Digital payment services, such as PayPal and Stripe, and digital wallets, such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, all require permission to use and involve a centralized ledger.

Understanding The Internet of Things (IoT) and Cybersecurity

• The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to devices that have systems such as sensors, data processors, and communication hardware, and require internet access to function.
• IoT devices can include smart devices, such as fridges, wearables, smart home technology, smart farming, and smart factories.
• Sensors in IoT devices gather input from the physical environment, such as temperature, sound, light, and motion, and transmit information to a central data hub using the internet.
• The data hub processes the information and can make decisions or send messages back to the IoT device or to the user.
• IoT devices can make tasks easier and more efficient, but there are also disadvantages, including the risk of data theft, wear and tear on sensors, outdated software, and difficulty in repairing devices.
• Cybersecurity is about keeping personal information and money safe from cyber attacks, which can be perpetrated by hackers using malware, phishing, and other methods.
• Malware is a computer program designed to steal information and can be spread through viruses.
• Phishing is when hackers pretend to be someone else, such as a bank or family member, to trick people into handing over personal information.
• Companies are often targeted by cyber attacks due to the large amount of information and money they possess.
• Cyber attacks can cause significant damage, including stealing money, changing information, or locking users out of their accounts.
• It is important to take steps to protect personal information and devices, such as using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, and being cautious of suspicious emails or websites.
• There is growing interest in the Right to Repair movement, which advocates for individuals to be able to repair their own devices rather than relying on expensive manufacturer repairs.

Understanding The Internet of Things (IoT) and Cybersecurity

• The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to devices that have systems such as sensors, data processors, and communication hardware, and require internet access to function.
• IoT devices can include smart devices, such as fridges, wearables, smart home technology, smart farming, and smart factories.
• Sensors in IoT devices gather input from the physical environment, such as temperature, sound, light, and motion, and transmit information to a central data hub using the internet.
• The data hub processes the information and can make decisions or send messages back to the IoT device or to the user.
• IoT devices can make tasks easier and more efficient, but there are also disadvantages, including the risk of data theft, wear and tear on sensors, outdated software, and difficulty in repairing devices.
• Cybersecurity is about keeping personal information and money safe from cyber attacks, which can be perpetrated by hackers using malware, phishing, and other methods.
• Malware is a computer program designed to steal information and can be spread through viruses.
• Phishing is when hackers pretend to be someone else, such as a bank or family member, to trick people into handing over personal information.
• Companies are often targeted by cyber attacks due to the large amount of information and money they possess.
• Cyber attacks can cause significant damage, including stealing money, changing information, or locking users out of their accounts.
• It is important to take steps to protect personal information and devices, such as using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, and being cautious of suspicious emails or websites.
• There is growing interest in the Right to Repair movement, which advocates for individuals to be able to repair their own devices rather than relying on expensive manufacturer repairs.