VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network”. A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection over the internet, enabling users to access resources, share data, and browse the internet with enhanced privacy and security. It achieves this by creating a private network from a public internet connection, masking the user’s IP address, and encrypting their data.
Examples:
- Secure Internet Browsing:
- Scenario: A user is connected to a public Wi-Fi network in a coffee shop.
- Use of VPN: The user activates a VPN to encrypt their internet connection, ensuring that their online activities are secure and private, even on a public network.
- Remote Access to Corporate Network:
- Scenario: An employee needs to access their company’s internal files and resources from a remote location.
- Use of VPN: The employee connects to the company’s VPN, establishing a secure and encrypted tunnel to access sensitive information without compromising security.
- Bypassing Geographical Restrictions:
- Scenario: A user wants to access content that is restricted based on their geographical location.
- Use of VPN: By connecting to a VPN server in a different region, the user can appear as if they are accessing the internet from that location, thereby bypassing geographical restrictions.
- Enhanced Online Privacy:
- Scenario: A person is concerned about their online privacy and wants to protect their identity.
- Use of VPN: The person uses a VPN to mask their IP address, making it more challenging for websites and online services to track their online activities.
- Secure File Sharing:
- Scenario: Two offices of a company need to share confidential files securely over the internet.
- Use of VPN: The company establishes a VPN connection between the two offices, allowing for encrypted and secure file transfers between them.