What is a virtual private network (VPN)?

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Answer 1

A virtual private network (VPN) is a private, secure path across a public network (usually the Internet) that is set up to allow authorized users private, secure access to the company network. For instance, a VPN could allow a traveling employee, business partner, or employee located at a satellite office or public wireless hotspot to connect securely to the company network via the Internet. It can also be used by individuals to secure their connection to a public hotspot and can protect any device that connects to a hotspot via Wi-Fi, including notebook computers, tablets, and smartphones. VPNs typically use a process called tunneling to carry the data over the Internet and special encryption technology to protect the data so it cannot be understood if it is intercepted during transit. Without a VPN, passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data sent to or from a hotspot could be intercepted.