Polkadot uses a common set of validators to secure multiple blockchains, allowing data to be shared securely across many parachains. It means people can buy DOT and then seamlessly send Polkadot across the entire network (imagine a [bank transfer](https://www.cointree.com/learn/bank-transfer-times/) but 10 times easier and faster). The network uses a nominated proof-of-stake (NPoS) consensus mechanism to select validators and nominators to secure the chain. This enables different chains to remain independently governed, while still interacting securely under the same rules. Therefore, it’s both a secure and interoperable platform.