Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Practice Exam

VPN technology primarily serves to establish secure connections over the internet, enabling various uses that enhance privacy and security. Accessing region-restricted websites is a common application of VPNs; they allow users to bypass geographical restrictions by masking their IP address. Protecting sensitive data while using public Wi-Fi is another fundamental benefit, as VPNs encrypt data transmitted over these networks, which mitigates the risk of interception. Additionally, VPNs provide secure remote access to business networks, ensuring that employees can connect from various locations without compromising security.

Improving local network bandwidth, however, is not a function of VPN technology. In fact, using a VPN can sometimes reduce bandwidth performance due to the encryption process and the routing of traffic through additional servers. This means that while VPNs enhance security and access control, they do not augment the inherent bandwidth capabilities of a local network. Thus, identifying the functionality that does not align with the core purpose of VPNs points clearly to improving local network bandwidth.