Overview
A VPN creates a 'tunnel' that encrypts all data passing through it, protecting it from being intercepted by third parties. In cloud computing, VPNs are commonly used to connect on-premises data centers to a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC).
Types of VPNs
- Site-to-Site VPN: Connects two entire networks (e.g., an office network to a cloud VPC).
- Remote Access VPN: Connects an individual device to a network (e.g., an employee working from home connecting to the corporate network).
Key Benefits
- Security: Protects sensitive data as it travels over the public internet.
- Privacy: Masks the user's IP address and location.
- Access Control: Allows users to access private resources as if they were directly connected to the network.