VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and route it through a remote server, which makes it appear as if your internet connection is coming from that server instead of your device. This masks your IP address and makes it more difficult for prying eyes to track your online activity. In addition, reputable VPNs will use leak prevention technology to stop websites and other services from discovering your IP address. Some Internet protocols have security flaws that leak your IP address, but a good VPN will have built-in (and automatic) methods to stop this from happening.