Which component is essential for creating a secure VPN connection?

Creating a secure VPN connection fundamentally relies on the implementation of a data encryption protocol. This component is crucial because it ensures that any data transmitted over the VPN is encrypted, making it unreadable to unauthorized entities. By applying encryption protocols, such as IPSec or SSL/TLS, the VPN safeguards sensitive information against interception and eavesdropping, promoting confidentiality and integrity of the data being sent between the devices.

While other components listed may play supportive roles in the overall security and functionality of a VPN connection—such as user authentication methods, which ensure that only authorized users can access the network, and firewall rules that help to control incoming and outgoing traffic—these alone do not provide the critical mechanism necessary for securing the data itself in transit. Router configuration also helps in establishing a VPN, but without secure encryption, the connection remains vulnerable to threats. Thus, the encryption protocol stands out as the essential element for establishing a secure and trustworthy VPN connection.