A VPN (virtual private network) is a service that creates a safe, encrypted online connection. Internet users may use a VPN to give themselves more privacy and anonymity online or circumvent geographic-based blocking and censorship. VPNs essentially extend a private network across a public network, which should allow a user to securely send and receive data across the internet.

Typically, a VPN is used over a less secure network, such as the public internet. Internet service providers (ISPs) normally have a rather large amount of insight into a customer's activities. In addition, some unsecured Wi-Fi access points (APs) may be a convenient avenue for attackers to gain access to a user's personal data. An internet user could use a VPN to avoid these encroachments on privacy.