What is a benefit of using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) significantly enhances the security of data transmitted over the internet. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the user's device and the VPN server, ensuring that any data sent and received is secure from interception by third parties. This encryption protects sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data, making it much more difficult for hackers or anyone else to access this information while it is in transit.

In addition to securing data transmission, a VPN can provide anonymity and privacy by masking the user's IP address, thus making internet activities more difficult to trace back to the user. Although a VPN can have some impact on connection speed due to the overhead of encryption, its primary purpose is to protect data integrity and confidentiality, which are critical in today’s digital landscape.

Other options do not capture the main purpose of a VPN; while a VPN can sometimes bypass firewalls or provide some level of bypassing internet restrictions, these functionalities are secondary benefits compared to the primary aim of securing data transmission. Similarly, improving speed of internet connections or increasing bandwidth are not inherent functions of a VPN, which can sometimes lead to reduced speed instead because of the encryption process.