SSH tunneling creates an encrypted connection between a local computer and a remote computer through which network traffic can be relayed securely. There are three main types of SSH tunnels: dynamic port forwarding, local port forwarding, and remote port forwarding. Dynamic port forwarding makes remote resources accessible on the local system by creating a SOCKS proxy. Local port forwarding also makes remote resources accessible locally by binding a local port that redirects traffic to the remote server. Remote port forwarding exposes local resources on the remote system, allowing access from outside the local network. SSH tunnels provide strong authentication and encryption to securely access systems and resources over insecure networks.