Which term denotes a logical link created through encryption protocols to transfer private data over public networks safely?

• A. Tunnel
• B. VPN
• C. Cipher
• D. Channel

Answer: (A)

A tunnel is the logical link created when data is wrapped inside another protocol to travel securely over a public network. This tunneling process encapsulates the original packets and protects them with encryption, so the payload remains confidential as it traverses an untrusted path. The endpoints of this tunnel—think of VPN gateways or client software—establish and maintain this secure conduit between them, even though the underlying public network carries the traffic. A VPN is the overall service that provides secure connectivity, and it relies on such tunnels to move data; a cipher is the encryption method itself, not the link, and a channel is a general term for a path of communication, not specifically the encrypted logical link described here.