Sam Dawson
Sam Dawson is a cybersecurity expert who has over four years of experience reviewing security-related software products. He focuses his writing on VPNs and security, previously writing for ProPrivacy before freelancing for Future PLC's brands, including TechRadar. Between running a penetration testing company and finishing a PhD focusing on speculative execution attacks at the University of Kent, he still somehow finds the time to keep an eye on how technology is impacting current affairs.
Latest articles by Sam Dawson
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Pros and cons of using your own DNS with a VPN
By Sam Dawson last updated
Everything you need to know about using your own DNS with a VPN
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Best VPN free trial in 2025
By Sam Dawson last updated
Try before you buy with a VPN free trial – here's my round-up of the top VPNs with free trials, refund guarantees, and freemium versions.
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Is Private Internet Access still worth buying?
By Sam Dawson last updated
PIA may not have as many extras as other VPNs, but it's still a solid VPN – and it's very customizable.
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ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: Which provider is best?
By Sam Dawson last updated
vpn Here, we're comparing NordVPN vs ExpressVPN in all the key areas—from speed and streaming to security and app compatibility.
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What are keyloggers?
By Sam Dawson published
A guide to what this info-stealing spyware is and how to avoid it
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What is multi-hop?
By Sam Dawson published
We explore how multi-hop VPNs keep your data extra safe
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What are zero-day attacks?
By Sam Dawson published
A guide to what zero-day attacks are, why they're so impactful and what you can do to guard against them
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What is deep packet inspection?
By Sam Dawson published
Deep packet inspection is a method used to see exactly what you're doing online. It's often used to detect malware, but can also be used to block VPN usage.
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What is Q-Day?
By Sam Dawson last updated
A deep dive into what Q-Day is, and the impact it will have on encryption as we know it
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Are free VPNs safe?
By Sam Dawson last updated
vpn When it comes to no-fee VPN services, what you save in cash may cost you in both privacy and security.
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Should I use a VPN browser?
By Sam Dawson published
We explore whether using a VPN browser is right for you
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Is Uptodown safe for downloading VPNs?
By Sam Dawson published
We explore whether you should use this app download service
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Everything you need to know about port forwarding – and how to make it work for you
By Sam Dawson published
A how-to guide to this networking technique
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What is Surfshark's CleanWeb 2.0?
By Sam Dawson published
How Surfshark's CleanWeb works and why you should use it as you surf the web
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Can you mod a VPN?
By Sam Dawson published
You may have seen VPN mods online, but are they legit?
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What is the difference between VPN hardware and VPN software?
By Sam Dawson published
The differences between VPN hardware and software and what they're used for
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Radmin VPN review
By Sam Dawson published
Radmin VPN may have 32 million users, but should you be one of them?
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Urban VPN review
By Sam Dawson published
Urban VPN has over 2 million downloads, but should you download it?
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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
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ExpressVPN vs Cyberghost: Which provider is best?
By Sam Dawson last updated
vpn If you're wondering who would win in an ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost battle, you've come to the right place. Here, we compare them in areas that matter.
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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
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