# 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[↗](/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[↗](/malware), phishing[↗](/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.