Which of the following best describes a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is fundamentally a secure connection established over a public network, which is precisely what option A describes. The primary purpose of a VPN is to create an encrypted tunnel that ensures data transmitted between the user’s device and the VPN server remains private and secure from potential eavesdroppers on the public network. This is particularly critical in scenarios such as remote work or accessing sensitive information over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

By utilizing strong encryption protocols, a VPN safeguards data integrity and confidentiality, giving users the online privacy they need when accessing the internet. It effectively masks the user’s IP address, making it more challenging for external entities to track their activities. Thus, option A encapsulates the essence of what a VPN accomplishes and is the most accurate in representing its primary function.