What is the primary purpose of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in network security? 

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides remote users secure access to a company's internal network over the public internet by encrypting data sent between the user and the network. VPNs create a "virtual" private connection that hides the user’s IP address and encrypts all data transfers, ensuring confidentiality and protection from interception. This is especially crucial for employees working remotely, as it allows them to safely access corporate resources without risking data breaches. VPNs are commonly used in enterprise environments to enable secure remote access. Why other options are wrong: a) To filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on a set of security rules : This is the function of a firewall, not a VPN. c) To block unauthorized access to a network by monitoring network traffic : This role is handled by Intrusion Detection or Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS). d) To act as an intermediary between client requests and servers : This describes a proxy server, not a VPN. e) To inspect data packets and block harmful traffic : This is another function of firewalls or intrusion prevention systems, not VPNs.