What Is a VPN? A Complete Beginner's Guide
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It creates an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server, which then connects to the internet on your behalf. This can reduce exposure on the local network, but it does not make a person completely anonymous.
How a VPN connection works
After you connect, internet requests travel through an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server before reaching their destination. Websites generally see the server's public IP address rather than the public IP assigned to your home or mobile connection.
What a VPN is useful for
Common uses include protecting traffic on public Wi-Fi, reaching a company network remotely, reducing an internet provider's direct visibility into traffic content, and managing a consistent connection across several devices.
What a VPN cannot do
A VPN does not replace strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, software updates, or anti-malware protection. Websites you sign in to can still identify your account, and browser cookies or fingerprinting do not disappear automatically.