Virtual private network (VPN)
Also called: VPN
Course: AP® Cybersecurity Shows up in: Unit 1: Introduction to Security
A service that encrypts all your traffic to the VPN operator's system, hiding it from the local network and service provider but not from the VPN provider.
Appears in the course and exam description (CED): 1.3.C.3
Why it matters in Unit 1
Useful on public Wi-Fi, but it moves trust to the VPN provider rather than removing it.
Example
A student on airport Wi-Fi turns on a VPN before checking email.
Learn it properly, with a checkpoint 1.3 Best Practices for Public Networks