A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool that helps to protect your online privacy and security by creating a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet.

Think of a VPN as a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and sent through the tunnel to a VPN server, which then accesses the internet on your behalf. This helps to protect your online activity from prying eyes, such as your internet service provider or hackers.

VPNs are commonly used to protect online privacy, access region-locked content, and bypass internet censorship. They're often used by people who work remotely or frequently travel, as they allow you to connect to a secure network even when you're away from your home or office.