In computer networking, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are implemented to provide which primary benefit to users?

Introduction / Context:
Virtual Private Networks, commonly known as VPNs, are a key concept in modern computer networking and internet security. They are widely used by companies, remote workers and individual users to create secure communication over untrusted networks such as the public internet. The central idea is that a VPN creates a protected tunnel between a user device and a remote network so that data cannot be easily read or modified by attackers or eavesdroppers. This question checks whether you understand the primary purpose of implementing a VPN and can correctly distinguish it from other related ideas such as general encryption, performance improvements or internal security policies.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Communication often happens over public networks such as the internet.
• Users need confidentiality and integrity for their data when connecting remotely.
• VPN technology can use different tunneling and encryption protocols.
• The focus of the question is on the main benefit, not every possible side feature.

Concept / Approach:
The conceptual approach is to recall the core definition of a VPN. A Virtual Private Network extends a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data as if their devices were directly connected to the private network. The most important benefit is that the connection is secure and encrypted even though it travels over an untrusted medium such as the internet. Therefore the correct option must mention a secure encrypted connection over public networks. Other options that restrict the scope to only a few machines, only internal networks or only a specific protocol do not capture the general definition.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read each option and identify which one talks about secure communication over public networks.Step 2: Option A describes a secure encrypted connection through public networks, which matches the definition of a VPN tunnel.Step 3: Option B limits security to a few selected computers, which is a policy choice, not the main VPN purpose.Step 4: Option C focuses only on a private network and ignores the use of public networks, so it misses the main point.Step 5: Option D restricts VPN usage to only IPSec, which is incorrect because VPNs can use other protocols too.Step 6: Option E mentions speed improvements, which is not the primary design goal of a VPN.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick way to verify the answer is to recall how remote employees connect to their company network. They usually open a VPN client, which then establishes an encrypted tunnel over the internet. This allows them to access company resources securely even when they are using home networks, hotel Wi Fi or mobile connections. The common phrase used in textbooks and certification courses is that VPNs provide secure communication over public networks. This confirms that option A is aligned with the standard definition.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option B is too narrow because VPNs secure connections for all authorized users, not just a few selected machines.
• Option C refers mainly to internal private network security and ignores the use of public networks, so it is incomplete.
• Option D incorrectly implies that VPNs always and only use IPSec, while many VPNs use SSL, TLS or other protocols.
• Option E focuses on speed rather than security and privacy, which is not the primary purpose of VPN technology.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse the idea of a VPN with general encryption or with tools that simply hide an IP address. While VPNs often provide anonymity benefits, their main role in enterprise and technical definitions is to create a secure tunnel over untrusted public networks. Another common mistake is to associate VPNs with only one protocol, for example assuming that VPN always means IPSec. In reality, VPNs can be implemented using various technologies and protocols. Always focus on the main benefit that appears in most definitions, which is secure, private communication over the public internet.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is A secure encrypted connection through public networks such as the internet.