What does the acronym VPN stand for?

The acronym VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. This term is fundamental in the context of network security and privacy. A Virtual Private Network creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the Internet. This allows users to send and receive data as if their devices were directly connected to a private network, enhancing security and privacy.

VPNs are commonly used by individuals to protect their online activities from surveillance and by businesses to allow remote employees secure access to the company’s internal network. The use of encryption in VPNs ensures that the data transmitted is kept confidential and protected from potential interception.

The other options, while they may sound plausible, do not accurately define a VPN. A Virtual Personal Network and Variable Protocol Network do not exist as recognized networking terms, and a Virtual Processing Node refers more to computing resources than to network privacy and security. Understanding what a VPN truly represents is crucial for anyone dealing with network technology and cybersecurity.