VPN — Virtual Private Network
Definition: A network technology that encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, hiding the user's IP and protecting data on untrusted networks.
Example
Employees use a VPN to securely access internal company systems from home or coffee shops.
When you'll hear it
VPN shows up most often in engineering planning, architecture reviews, and sprint retrospectives. When someone uses it, they're usually referring to virtual private network — and they expect the room to already know what that means.
FAQs
What does VPN stand for?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.
What does VPN mean in technology and engineering?
A network technology that encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, hiding the user's IP and protecting data on untrusted networks.
Where will I hear VPN used at work?
VPN comes up most often in engineering planning, architecture reviews, and sprint retrospectives. It's used as shorthand for virtual private network, so people assume you already know the term.