What does the acronym VPN stand for, and what is its purpose?

The acronym VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network." Its primary purpose is to create a secure connection over the internet, which helps protect data privacy and integrity while users access or transmit information online. A VPN establishes an encrypted tunnel between the user's device and the VPN server, ensuring that data transmitted is safeguarded from eavesdropping or interception by unauthorized parties.

This secure connection allows users to access the internet safely, particularly when using public Wi-Fi networks, where the risk of data breaches is higher. Additionally, VPNs can provide access to geo-restricted content and maintain user anonymity online. The importance of a secure and private connection underscores the reason why "Virtual Private Network" is the accurate definition and function of a VPN.