Final answer:
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a private data network that uses the public telecoms network but preserves privacy by encrypting data.
Step-by-step explanation:
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a private data network that uses the public telecoms network but preserves privacy by encrypting data. It allows users to access secure and private communication over a public network, such as the internet. With a VPN, data is encrypted before it leaves the user's device and is decrypted upon arrival at its destination. This ensures that the data remains confidential and secure.