What kind of connection does a VPN provide?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, provides a secure and encrypted connection over the internet. When a user connects to the internet through a VPN, their data is routed through a server that encrypts the user's internet traffic, making it unreadable to any third parties. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords and personal data, remains protected while being transmitted.

Additionally, a VPN helps maintain privacy by masking the user's real IP address, showing instead the IP address of the VPN server. This makes it difficult for websites and services to track the user’s online activities. The combination of encryption and the privacy aspect defines the VPN's utility in providing a safer browsing experience.

The other choices do not accurately capture the nature of a VPN's functionality. A public and unencrypted connection would leave data vulnerable to interception, while a secured and open connection fails to highlight the importance of encryption for protection. Claiming that a VPN only masks IP addresses oversimplifies its role, as encryption plays a critical part in securing user data.