Final answer:
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the technology that enables secure access to a company's LAN over a public network by creating an encrypted connection, protecting the data and masking the user's IP address.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technology that allows a user to securely access a company Local Area Network (LAN) across a public network is known as a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs create a secure, encrypted connection, often referred to as a tunnel, between your device and a server operated by the VPN service. Through this tunnel, you can access your company's network as if you were physically connected to the network on-site, making it a convenient solution for remote employees or those who need access while traveling.
VPNs use various encryption protocols to ensure the data transmitted over the public internet is kept secure from interception. When a user connects to a VPN, their internet traffic is routed through the VPN server. As a result, the user's IP address is masked, and data is encrypted, protecting the information from potential eavesdroppers.
Not only does this technology facilitate secure remote access to private networks, but VPNs are also used for securely connecting multiple business sites over the internet and for protecting personal privacy and browsing activities from public scrutiny.