VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between a device and a VPN server, so data passing through public networks such as café Wi-Fi cannot be read by others. Websites see the VPN server's IP address instead of the user's.

Businesses use VPNs so employees can securely reach internal systems from outside the office, and site-to-site VPNs join office networks over the internet. Individuals use them for privacy on untrusted networks. Common VPN protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN and IPsec.