A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that creates a secure connection between a computing device and a computer network, or between two networks, using an insecure communication medium such as the public internet. When you use a VPN, it establishes a digital connection between your computer and a remote server owned by the VPN provider, creating a point-to-point tunnel that encrypts your personal data, masks your IP address, and lets you sidestep website blocks and firewalls on the internet.
Here are some key features of a VPN:
- Virtual: No physical cables are involved in the connection process.
- Private: Through this connection, no one else can see your data or browsing activity.
- Encrypted: A VPN connection encrypts your data, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it.
- Secure: A VPN connection provides a private tunnel for your data and communications while you use public networks.
- Remote Access: A remote-access VPN allows users to connect to another network, be it the internet or their company’s internal system, through a private encryption tunnel.
VPNs are commonly used to protect your online privacy and security. They can hide your IP address, encrypt your internet traffic, and protect you from hackers and other online threats. Additionally, VPNs can allow you to access geo-locked services and content that may not be available in your region.
