What is the primary purpose of a VPN?

The primary purpose of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is to encapsulate and encrypt data to establish a secure connection over a less secure network, such as the internet. This function is critical for protecting sensitive information from eavesdropping or interception by unauthorized parties.

When data is transmitted through a VPN, it is wrapped in an additional layer of security, which makes it unreadable to anyone who might try to intercept it. This is especially important when accessing public Wi-Fi networks or navigating untrusted environments, as it safeguards personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, and confidential communications.

While options like file sharing and increasing internet speed may be associated with the use of a VPN in some scenarios, they are not its primary purpose. Monitoring user activity is generally not a function of a VPN, as VPNs are designed to enhance privacy rather than track it. Therefore, the essence of a VPN is its ability to provide privacy and security through data encapsulation and encryption, making the option regarding secure connections the most accurate.