What role does a VPN play in cybersecurity?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) plays a significant role in enhancing cybersecurity primarily by encrypting a user's internet connection. This encryption creates a secure tunnel between the user's device and the VPN server, protecting the data transmitted over the internet from eavesdroppers, hackers, and unauthorized third parties. This is particularly important when using unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi, where sensitive information could be intercepted.

By encrypting the data, a VPN ensures that information such as login credentials, personal data, and any browsing activities remain confidential. This added layer of security helps users maintain privacy and protects their sensitive information from potential cyber threats.

The other options, although related to internet use, do not directly pertain to the specific role of a VPN in cybersecurity. Physical security for data centers pertains to safeguarding physical locations rather than data transmission. Monitoring user activity online may involve other security measures and surveillance tools but does not describe the primary function of a VPN. Blocking advertisements pertains to user experience on the internet but is not a function associated with the security mechanisms provided by a VPN.