VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a protected connection over a public or otherwise untrusted network, such as the Internet. A VPN can encrypt network traffic and route it through a remote VPN server, depending on the VPN configuration and the services being used.
A VPN can be used to:
- hide your public IP address from websites and online services by routing your traffic through a VPN server. This can provide additional privacy, although it does not make you completely anonymous online;
- protect data transmitted over the network with VPN encryption. This can help prevent third parties on an untrusted network from intercepting sensitive information, such as login credentials or other account data;
- access websites and online services that are available through the VPN server's network connection, including services that may be unavailable from your usual IP address or location;
- protect Internet traffic while using public or otherwise untrusted networks, such as public Wi-Fi. However, a VPN does not by itself make all online activity anonymous or remove all restrictions on Internet content.