Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A service that encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, hiding a user's location and activity.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server operated by the VPN provider, which hides your real IP address↗ and location from the websites and services you visit. It creates a private, encrypted "tunnel" for your data even when you're using an untrusted network, like public Wi-Fi.
VPNs are commonly used to protect data on public networks, to access work resources securely while remote, or to browse with more location privacy, but a VPN doesn't make you anonymous or protect you from malware↗, phishing↗, or a compromised device. Since a VPN provider can technically see your traffic, choosing a reputable provider with a clear, audited no-logging policy matters just as much as using a VPN in the first place.