Tunneling protocols are methods used to transmit data securely over a network by encapsulating it within another protocol. This allows data to travel through different networks while maintaining privacy and integrity. Common examples include PPTP, L2TP, and IPsec, which are often used in virtual private networks (VPNs) to create secure connections. These protocols work by creating a "tunnel" that protects the data from being intercepted or tampered with during transmission. By using tunneling, organizations can ensure that sensitive information remains confidential, even when sent over public networks like the Internet.