Which OCI component can be configured to access a virtual cloud network securely?

The correct choice is VPN Connections because they are specifically designed to establish secure connections between different networks over the Internet. In the context of a virtual cloud network (VCN), VPN connections enable secure access to resources within the VCN from external locations. They use encryption protocols to ensure that the data being transmitted remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access.

VPN connections are essential in scenarios where secure communication is required, such as connecting on-premises networks to cloud resources, or allowing remote users to access cloud applications securely. By leveraging a VPN, organizations can maintain compliance and safeguard sensitive information while still enjoying the scalability and flexibility of a cloud environment.

Other components like compute instances, load balancers, and network security groups have different primary functions. Compute instances provide the processing power needed for applications, load balancers distribute traffic across multiple resources for optimal performance, and network security groups serve as a virtual firewall to control traffic to and from various components within the VCN. While these components contribute to the overall security and accessibility of a cloud environment, they do not establish secure connections in the way that VPN connections do.