What is the primary purpose of a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?

• A. To enable remote access to cloud applications
• B. To create a secure connection over the internet between a user and a network
• C. To facilitate file sharing between users
• D. To improve internet browsing speed and performance

Answer: (B)

The primary purpose of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is to create a secure connection over the internet between a user and a network. This secure connection, often referred to as a tunnel, ensures that the data transmitted between the user's device and the network is encrypted, protecting it from interception by unauthorized entities. VPNs establish this secure pathway by encapsulating the data packets in layers of encryption, which safeguards sensitive information, such as login credentials or personal data, during transmission.

While enabling remote access to cloud applications is a benefit of using a VPN, it is not its main purpose; rather, it is one of the many functions that derive from the secure connection a VPN provides. Facilitating file sharing is another functionality that can be achieved using a VPN, but again, it stems from the secure connection rather than being the primary goal. Improving internet browsing speed and performance is generally not a function of VPNs, as in many cases, the encryption and routing through different servers can actually slow down the user's internet speed. The fundamental objective remains establishing a secure and private communication channel, which is essential when using public networks or accessing sensitive information remotely.