Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What does the acronym VPN stand for in cybersecurity?

1. Virtual Private Network

2. Visual Public Network

3. Variable Protocol Network

4. Vulnerable Protocol Network

The correct answer is: Virtual Private Network

The acronym VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. This term refers to a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the Internet. VPNs are essential tools in cybersecurity, as they allow individuals and organizations to protect their data from unauthorized access while providing remote access to private networks. The "virtual" aspect indicates that the network can be created over a public infrastructure while maintaining privacy. The term "private" highlights the goal of ensuring that the data transmitted over this network is shielded from eavesdropping and interference. VPNs establish a private tunnel through which data travels, thus providing security against potential threats that could exploit public network vulnerabilities. While the other options use some of the correct terminology and convey network-related concepts, they do not accurately describe the function or nature of a VPN. For instance, "Visual Public Network" does not imply any security aspects, "Variable Protocol Network" suggests a focus on changing protocols rather than security, and "Vulnerable Protocol Network" introduces an erroneous notion of inherent risk within its name, which contradicts the protective purpose of a VPN.