In today\\\'s digital age, as electronic commerce becomes a pillar of the global economy, the security of online transactions is more crucial than ever. With the increase in fraud and cyber threats, there is an urgent need to explore tools that can strengthen this security. One of these tools is a Virtual Private Network (VPN), whose implementation promises not only to provide an additional layer of protection, but also to increase consumer confidence. What is a VPN and how does it work? A VPN is a service that creates a secure tunnel between the user\\\'s device and a remote server, encrypting data transmitted over the Internet. This process protects sensitive information, such as bank details and money, preventing third parties from intercepting this traffic. However, it is essential to clarify that, although VPNs offer privacy and anonymity, they are not infallible. A user may be protected against attacks at the network level, but may still be vulnerable to other forms of cyber attacks, such as phishing or malware. where personal and financial information is exchanged. The concern with data violations is growing exponentially. Reports indicate that 43% of data violations affect small businesses (Verizon, 2020). As VPNs can help mitigate these risks, offering robust cryptography, as well as hiding the IP addresses of merchants and consumers. For example, if a customer makes a purchase on a public Wi-Fi network without using a VPN, his data may be vulnerable to interception by hackers. In contrast, with an active VPN, data is only encrypted during transmission, making any attempt at interception considered more difficult. It can positively influence consumer perception of e-commerce merchants. A GlobalWebIndex study (2021) found that 65% of consumers are willing to make purchases on platforms that implement robust digital security measures.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite two obvious benefits of a VPN offers for e-commerce, there are challenges and limitations that must be considered. First, all VPNs are not the same. There are countless options on the market; Some are effective and secure, while others may be ineffective or at the same time prejudiciais to the privacy of the user. In fact, it has been reported that several free VPNs are shared by users with third parties (Fernandez et al., 2021). However, another big challenge lies in the quest of performance. VPNs can cause a decrease in browsing speed due to the encryption process and the potential increase in distance to the server to which the consumer or merchant connects. This can frustrate users and discourage them from completing transactions. Future Trends: As we move toward a more digitalized future, we expect a significant increase in the adoption of VPN-related technologies in the e-commerce sector. The integration of artificial intelligence to detect suspicious behavior or fraudulent transactions can complement the existing functions offered by these virtual private networks. However, we also present ethical and legal challenges in relation to user privacy. Critical Points to Consider We cannot outline two ethical debates surrounding the proper use of technologies. While many view VPNs as tools to protect privacy and confidential information, others warn about their potential use for illicit activities. Therefore, it is vital to establish clear regulations that guide both consumers and merchants on how to implement these solutions without compromising the legal or moral aspects.