"The problem is that data sent over the Internet is not secure since it can be sniffed (intercepted and analyzed) relatively easily. In fact it is particularly vulnerable to sniffing when you are connected to the Internet using a public wireless hotspot, or using a wired connection at a hotel or conference center on a local network that uses hubs instead of switches.
"The solution is to use a virtual private network, or VPN. Put in simple terms a VPN secures your data by encrypting each packet and wrapping it in an envelope which has its destination printed on it. Anyone intercepting this envelope could see its intended destination, but not the contents (because the contents is encrypted.) Once the packet arrives at its destination it is removed from the VPN envelope, decrypted, and then handled in the normal way."
