A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over the internet, allowing users to access a private network remotely. It ensures privacy and confidentiality by encrypting data as it travels between the user’s device and the VPN server. VPNs are commonly used to establish secure connections for remote access to corporate networks, protect data while using public Wi-Fi, and enable secure communication between geographically distributed networks.

Follow-up Question: How does a VPN contribute to enhancing the security of data transmitted over public networks, and what are some potential limitations or considerations associated with VPN usage

A VPN enhances security by encrypting data transmitted over public networks, such as the Internet. This encryption prevents unauthorized access and eavesdropping, ensuring the privacy and integrity of the transmitted information. However, it’s important to consider potential limitations, including the reliance on a trusted VPN service, the potential impact on network speed due to encryption overhead, and the need for proper configuration to prevent IP leaks.