What is a VPN and why would you use one?

A VPN is a tool that encrypts your internet connection and hides your real location. It's like a secure tunnel for your data. You use it to keep your browsing private and protect yourself on public WiFi.

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. When you connect to a VPN, all your internet traffic gets encrypted — scrambled into code that no one else can read. Your real location is hidden because websites see the VPN's location instead of yours. VPNs are useful on public WiFi to keep your data safe, or to protect your privacy from your internet service provider.