Which of the following enhances network security by creating encrypted connections?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, enhances network security by establishing encrypted connections between users and the network. This encryption ensures that data transmitted over the internet remains secure and private, making it difficult for unauthorized users to intercept or access sensitive information. When a user connects to a VPN, their internet traffic is routed through a secure tunnel, obscuring their IP address and encrypting their data, which protects against eavesdropping and various types of cyber attacks.

In contrast, while a proxy server can provide some level of anonymity and can cache data to improve load times, it does not typically encrypt the data being transmitted. Cloud storage and web hosting services primarily deal with data storage and management, and while they may incorporate security measures, they do not specifically create encrypted connections like a VPN does. Thus, a VPN is specifically designed for secure communication, making it the correct choice for enhancing network security through encrypted connections.