What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between a user's device and a VPN server, routing all traffic through it. This provides: (1) Privacy: hides the user's real IP address — websites see the VPN server's IP. (2) Encryption: protects data from eavesdropping on public/untrusted networks. (3) Remote access: corporate VPNs allow employees to securely access internal network resources as if on-site. (4) Geo-bypass: access region-restricted content. Protocols: OpenVPN (open-source, widely trusted), WireGuard (modern, fast, lean), IPSec/IKEv2 (enterprise-grade), L2TP/IPSec, PPTP (outdated, insecure). VPNs don't make you fully anonymous — the VPN provider can see your traffic. For full corporate security, combine VPN with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).