A VPN, or virtual private network, is a mechanism for creating 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 connect to 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. This ensures that your online experiences are private, protected, and more secure.
A VPN connection is virtual because no physical cables are involved in the connection process, and private because through this connection, no one else can see your data or browsing activity. A VPN app is a software application that allows you to make a connection to a remote VPN server after you enter your login credentials. VPNs create an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic, which gets scrambled into code so that no one else can see it, ensuring that your browsing activity remains private and protected.
VPNs are widely used in corporate environments to extend a corporate network through encrypted connections made over the Internet, allowing employees to work outside the office and still securely connect to the corporate network. VPNs are also used by individuals who want to protect their online privacy and security, and minimize their online footprint.
