The acronym "VPN" stands for Virtual Private Network, a technology that creates a secure connection over the internet. It encrypts data transmitted between a user's device and the VPN server, ensuring privacy and security when accessing online resources. VPNs are commonly used to protect sensitive information from potential cyber threats, shield browsing activities from surveillance, and bypass geographical content restrictions. By masking the user's IP address, VPNs provide anonymity and greater control over personal data in an increasingly connected digital environment.