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
Md Abdur Rouf/Getty Images Setting up a virtual private network on your phone or laptop means a much better level of privacy and security for you and your data.
—David Nield, WIRED, 25 Apr. 2024
That’s helped apps like Tencent Holdings Ltd.’s WeChat dominate domestic usage, though Chinese users can still employ virtual private networks to view foreign media.
—Mark Gurman, Fortune Asia, 19 Apr. 2024
Though Tinder is one of many foreign apps that are blocked in mainland China, residents can access it using virtual private networks.
—Larissa Gao, NBC News, 16 Mar. 2024
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
David Nield, WIRED, 25 Apr. 2024
That’s helped apps like Tencent Holdings Ltd.’s WeChat dominate domestic usage, though Chinese users can still employ virtual private networks to view foreign media.
—Mark Gurman, Fortune Asia, 19 Apr. 2024
Though Tinder is one of many foreign apps that are blocked in mainland China, residents can access it using virtual private networks.
—Larissa Gao, NBC News, 16 Mar. 2024
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
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 2 May. 2024.
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