virtual private network
noun
plural virtual private networks
: a private computer network that functions over a public network (such as the Internet) and usually utilizes data encryption to provide secure access to something (such as an internal business server or private network)
He persuaded its users to communicate through a virtual private network, or VPN, a secure channel that sends encrypted messages between computers …—
James Verini
James VeriniTony, like all savvy Internet thieves, uses a virtual private network that masks his computer's true Internet Protocol address every time he logs on.—Joe Light
Joe Lightcalled also VPN
Examples of virtual private network in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Avoid public Wi-Fi To minimize the risk of data interception by cyber criminals, use a virtual private network (VPN) or your mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi networks.
—Ebony Flake, Essence, 3 Apr. 2024
But a small number of Chinese people – typically city dwellers who are more educated and tech savvy – still access it via virtual private networks to keep up with the world beyond the Great Firewall.
—Nectar Gan, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024
In recent weeks, Russian tech companies and online activists have also reported new government efforts to identify patterns of internet traffic that come from virtual private networks, or VPNs, a software designed to get around blocks.
—Aaron Krolik, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024
New users would also potentially be able to download it using a virtual private network.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2024
App users can try to use virtual private networks, or VPNs, to disguise their location and bypass such restrictions, said Roger Entner, a telecom analyst and the founder of Recon Analytics.
—Haleluya Hadero, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024
Instead, use your phone’s hotspot or a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Topline Internet users in Pakistan are turning to virtual private networks to access the social media platform X after the site was blocked over the weekend following a contentious national election and admission of ballot fraud by a local government official.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
Getty Images Hackers suspected of working for the Chinese government are mass exploiting a pair of critical vulnerabilities that give them complete control of virtual private network appliances sold by Ivanti, researchers said.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 23 Jan. 2024
Ebony Flake, Essence, 3 Apr. 2024
But a small number of Chinese people – typically city dwellers who are more educated and tech savvy – still access it via virtual private networks to keep up with the world beyond the Great Firewall.
—Nectar Gan, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024
In recent weeks, Russian tech companies and online activists have also reported new government efforts to identify patterns of internet traffic that come from virtual private networks, or VPNs, a software designed to get around blocks.
—Aaron Krolik, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024
New users would also potentially be able to download it using a virtual private network.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2024
App users can try to use virtual private networks, or VPNs, to disguise their location and bypass such restrictions, said Roger Entner, a telecom analyst and the founder of Recon Analytics.
—Haleluya Hadero, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024
Instead, use your phone’s hotspot or a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Topline Internet users in Pakistan are turning to virtual private networks to access the social media platform X after the site was blocked over the weekend following a contentious national election and admission of ballot fraud by a local government official.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
Getty Images Hackers suspected of working for the Chinese government are mass exploiting a pair of critical vulnerabilities that give them complete control of virtual private network appliances sold by Ivanti, researchers said.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 23 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'virtual private network.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near virtual private network
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“Virtual private network.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtual%20private%20network. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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