What does VPN stand for and what is its primary use?

The term VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and its primary use is to secure private data transmission over the Internet. A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection between the user's device and a remote server operated by the VPN service. This process effectively masks the user's IP address and makes it more challenging for third parties, such as hackers or government agencies, to track online activities or intercept data.

By using a VPN, individuals can protect sensitive information, maintain privacy while browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi networks, and access geo-restricted content by routing their internet traffic through servers located in different parts of the world. The technology behind a VPN involves tunneling protocols and encryption methods that ensure data integrity and confidentiality during transmission.

The other options present incorrect definitions or uses of VPN. A Virtual Public Network, a Virtual Personal Network, and a Virtual Protected Network do not accurately describe what a VPN is or its intended purpose in providing secure communication over the Internet. Thus, the accurate representation of a VPN and its functionality is captured in the correct answer.