A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology used to provide remote offices or individual users with secure access to their organization's network over the public Internet. A virtual private network can be contrasted with an expensive system of individual leased lines connected to each location. The goal of a VPN is to provide the organization with the same capabilities, but at a much lower cost. For example, several remote offices can be connected together for the purpose of securely sharing network data and resources as if those resources exist locally.