What does VPN stand for?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. This terminology is critical in the context of network security and privacy. A Virtual Private Network creates a secure connection over the internet from a device to a network, thereby safeguarding the data transmitted across the connection.

By utilizing encryption and tunneling protocols, a VPN essentially allows users to send data securely across public networks as if they were directly connected to a private network. This is particularly useful for accessing restricted resources, protecting sensitive information from attacks, and maintaining privacy online by masking the user's IP address.

Understanding that other options do not accurately reflect the function or terminology associated with VPNs reinforces the importance of knowing the correct terminology in tech support and network administration. For instance, Visual Protected Network, Variable Private Node, and Virtual Public Network do not accurately describe the technology or its purpose in providing secure communication over the internet.