What Is a VPN and How Does It Work? (2026 Guide)
A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in a location you choose. Your ISP, network operator, and the websites you visit see that server's IP address, not yours. That single mechanism covers every VPN use case: keeping your browsing history from your internet provider, securing a connection on public Wi-Fi, accessing a company network remotely, and reducing location-based tracking.