Which technology facilitates secure communications over the internet?

The technology that facilitates secure communications over the internet is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN works by creating an encrypted tunnel between the user's device and the internet, which protects the data being transmitted from eavesdropping and interception. This encryption ensures that even if data packets are captured, they cannot be easily read by unauthorized individuals.

VPNs are commonly used to enhance privacy and security, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, where the risk of data breaches is higher. They also allow users to access resources remotely as if they were part of a private network, making them valuable for organizations and individuals needing to secure their communications.

The other options provide different functionalities, such as firewalls which control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules, proxy servers that act as intermediaries for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers, and routers that direct data traffic within a network. While these technologies contribute to overall network security, they do not specifically provide the encryption and secure tunnel necessary for secure communications like a VPN does.