Which technology allows users to browse the internet securely and privately?

The choice of VPN (Virtual Private Network) as the technology that allows users to browse the internet securely and privately is well-founded. A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted connection between the user's device and a remote server, which masks the user's IP address. This encryption helps protect data from being intercepted by hackers and makes it difficult for third parties, including internet service providers and other entities, to monitor the user’s online activities.

By using a VPN, users can also bypass geographic restrictions, accessing content that may be blocked in their location while maintaining their privacy and security. This capability to encrypt internet traffic and hide a user's online identity is essential for secure browsing, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks, where the risk of data breaches is significantly elevated.

In contrast, other technologies do not provide the same level of privacy and security. A firewall primarily serves as a barrier to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, but it does not anonymize users or encrypt data. A proxy server can act as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers, which may provide some level of anonymity but typically does not encrypt data, thus compromising security. Antivirus software is designed to detect and remove malware and protect against viruses, but