(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What is the primary function of a virtual private network (VPN)?

1. To create an open connection for public access.

2. To monitor internet traffic for security breaches.

3. To create a secure and encrypted connection between two networks over the internet.

4. To provide free access to all geographic locations.

The correct answer is: To create a secure and encrypted connection between two networks over the internet.

The primary function of a virtual private network (VPN) is to create a secure and encrypted connection between two networks over the internet. This technology is designed to ensure that data transmitted across the internet remains private and secure from eavesdroppers and unauthorized users. When a VPN is in use, it encapsulates and encrypts the data being sent from the user's device to the VPN server, effectively shielding it from potential interception. This is particularly important when accessing sensitive information over unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi. By establishing a private tunnel through which the data travels, a VPN helps maintain confidentiality, integrity, and authentication between the connected networks. The other choices do not accurately reflect the core purpose of a VPN. For instance, creating an open connection accessible to the public runs counter to the goals of privacy and security, as it could expose data to malicious actors. Monitoring internet traffic for security breaches relates more to intrusion detection systems than to the VPN's primary function, which focuses on secure data transmission. Similarly, providing free access to all geographic locations misinterprets the VPN's capability; while it may offer users the ability to access geographically restricted content, it does not imply that the access itself is free or without limitations.