What is meant by virtual private network?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a less secure network, typically the internet. It allows users to securely access and transmit data between their devices (such as computers, smartphones) and a private network (like a corporate network) as if they were directly connected to that network, even if they are physically remote or using a public internet connection. VPNs ensure privacy and security by encrypting data sent between the user’s device and the VPN server, protecting it from interception or eavesdropping by unauthorized parties.

VPN, in simple terms, is a service that enables users to securely connect to private networks over the internet. It creates a virtual tunnel between the user’s device and a VPN server, encrypting all data transmitted through this tunnel. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords, financial transactions, or business communications, remains secure and protected from potential cyber threats or unauthorized access while traversing public networks.

A VPN works by establishing a secure and encrypted connection, known as a VPN tunnel, between the user’s device and a VPN server operated by a VPN provider. When a user connects to a VPN, their device encrypts outgoing data before sending it through the VPN tunnel to the VPN server. The VPN server decrypts the data and forwards it to the intended destination on the private network or the internet. Similarly, incoming data from the destination is encrypted by the VPN server and transmitted back through the VPN tunnel to the user’s device, where it is decrypted and made accessible. This process ensures that data exchanged between the user and the internet or private network remains confidential and protected from interception or tampering.