
Olivia Powell
Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023 as part of the core Future Tech Software team, and is the Commissioning Editor at Tom's Guide. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia is interested in how VPNs protect users' privacy, and how they improve online safety. She also regularly uses VPNs to make sure they deliver what they promise, and specializes in testing VPNs with streaming sites.
After graduating with a degree in English Literature from the University of Exeter, Olivia got her official start in journalism writing magazines for the events industry, writing for Exhibition News, Conference News, All Access, Exhibition World and Conference and Meeting World both in print and online. After this, she delved into the world of customer experience at CX Network, then the cybersecurity sector when she became Editor in Chief for Cyber Security Hub. This saw her create content from webinars to blogs to research reports on all things cybersecurity before finally ending up at Tom's Guide.
Olivia was also shortlisted for Security Serious' Unsung Heroes award in the Cyber Writer category in 2023.
When not writing about the latest in tech software, Olivia can be found reading mystery novels, watching the X-Files or doing valuable research in her quest to find the best Italian restaurant in London.
Latest articles by Olivia Powell

What is a VPN blocker?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
A deep dive into what VPN blockers are, and how to get around them

The best ITVX VPN
By Olivia Powell published
VPN We've reviewed dozens of VPNs, and these are the best five if you want to sidestep geo-restrictions on the very popular UK streaming service, ITVX.

A man set up fake Wi-Fi to steal people's data – here's how to stay safe
By Olivia Powell published
The fake Wi-Fi networks were set up at airports and on domestic flights to steal travellers' personal information.

ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN: which is better?
By Olivia Powell published
We compare ExpressVPN and Proton VPN in all the areas that matter to determine which one is better

Your data could be leaked in five years - here’s why
By Olivia Powell published
Here's why the rise of quantum computers could end encryption as we know it.

Need your Swiftie fix after The Eras Tour? Here's how to watch Taylor Swift's documentary
By Olivia Powell published
Swift's documentary is the perfect thing to watch if you're missing the Taylor Swift action – here's how a VPN can help

I went to the Eras Tour - here's why (and how) I'm still going to watch the Eras Tour movie
By Olivia Powell published
Swiftie streaming The surprising way a VPN can help give you access to The Eras Tour concert film.

Ransomware gang claims cyber attack on Federal Reserve
By Olivia Powell published
Hack Ransomware gang Lockbit 3.0 has claimed responsibility for a cyber attack on the US Federal Reserve

Your nursery could get hacked - here's how to prevent it
By Olivia Powell published
Discover the hidden cyber risks posed by your nursery, and how to fix them.

What is NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro?
By Olivia Powell published
The ins and outs of the latest cybersecurity threat protection service from NordVPN.

Best dark web VPN
By Krishi Chowdhary published
VPN The dark web can be just as dangerous as it is secure and anonymous, which is why you need the best dark web VPNs to ensure your safety.

Why every VPN should use post-quantum encryption
By Olivia Powell published
We take a deep dive into what post-quantum encryption is and why every VPN should use it

Are cheap VPNs worth it?
By Olivia Powell last updated
We take a look at if cheap VPNs can really hold up to their more pricey competitors.

CyberGhost vs Surfshark: Which provider is best?
By Olivia Powell published
We compare CyberGhost and Surfshark from speed and streaming to security and app compatibility to see which is best

Are you prepared for Q-day?
By Olivia Powell published
How to prepare for the day computers crack encryption algorithms

Popular VPN provider protects journalists with emergency free plan
By Olivia Powell published
Proven privacy IPVanish is giving journalists in areas of online censorship free access to a no-logs VPN

This hack shows how important opting out of sharing your data is
By Olivia Powell published
Only individuals who opted out of sharing their data were not included in the breach of the "biggest database ever."

Is your VPN keeping you safe for the future?
By Olivia Powell published
Your VPN may use traditional encryption but it's not enough to make it quantum-proof

Almost 70% of MPs have had their data leaked on the dark web
By Olivia Powell published
Research has found that MP's emails have been exposed 2,110 times on the dark web

5 VPN red flags to help you spot a dodgy VPN
By Olivia Powell published
vpn It can be hard to know what to look out for when picking a VPN—these are the 5 things to avoid.

Internet being weird? It could be your VPN
By Olivia Powell published
VPNs can be a super helpful tool, but they can also slow down your internet—here's why

Hackers are targeting VPNs to gain access to enterprise systems
By Olivia Powell published
This warning comes after Check Point discovered unauthorized login attempts on some local VPN accounts

Remote access tools targeted in 58% of ransomware attacks
By Olivia Powell last updated
Why hackers are targeting remote access tools to spread ransomware and how to prevent these attacks.
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