A VPN, which stands for virtual private network, establishes a digital connection between your computer and a remote server owned by a VPN provider, creating a point-to-point tunnel that encrypts your personal data, masks your IP address, and lets you sidestep website blocks and firewalls on the internet. This ensures that your online experiences are private, protected, and more secure.

By its very definition, a VPN connection is:

• Virtual because no physical cables are involved in the connection process.
  
  
• Private because through this connection, no one else can see your data or browsing activity.
  
  
• Networked because multiple devices—your computer and the VPN server—work together to maintain an established link.

Now that you know the meaning behind VPN, as well as what VPN stands for, let's explore the many benefits of a VPN, and why it might be advantageous to use one.