 TITLE: What Is a VPN and How Can It Protect Me? CONTENT: How Does a VPN Work?\n--------------------\nA VPN creates a secure tunnel for your device, routing your internet traffic through the VPN's server instead of the servers a network's internet service provider would typically use. A user's connection to a VPN is software-based, and the service doesn't require any additional equipment or even much technical knowledge to use.\nA VPN encrypts the data you send and receive between your device and the internet, so if someone manages to intercept it, it'll be unreadable. It also makes it appear that the data is being transmitted from the VPN instead of from your device, adding privacy on top of security. If you're on a public or shared network this extra security is especially important, as you can never be sure who may be monitoring your internet traffic.\nVPNs are commonly used by corporations and other organizations, specifically for employees who work outside the office. Not only does it protect sensitive information, but it can also allow the employee to access the organization's private intranet to access a file server or computer at the office.\nThere are also VPN services designed for consumer use that you can use to protect your personal connection to the internet on a single device. Some services even offer VPN services through browser extensions, though these VPNs only protect you when you're using that browser.\nFinally, you can connect your home Wi-Fi router to the VPN, allowing you to get the same protection for multiple devices at a time, as long as they're connected to the internet via the router. END