George Phillips
George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights, censorship, data, and the interplay between cybersecurity and politics. He completed an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and has experience writing and producing content for music, education, and wellbeing publications. As well as writing, George is a keen podcast and audio producer.
Outside of work, George is passionate about music, regularly writing reviews, attending gigs, collecting vinyl, and playing guitar. George is also a huge Star Wars fan and holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Shotokan Karate.
Latest articles by George Phillips
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American Binary launches world's first NSA-approved quantum-resistant VPN
By George Phillips published
Post-quantum encryption comes to business VPNs as American Binary launches NSA-approved quantum-resistant VPN.
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Proton VPN Secure Core – what is it and why should you use it?
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
vpn Proton VPN's Secure Core feature is marketed as a way of further protecting your traffic. Here we explore how it works, and if it's worth it.
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What is VPN obfuscation and do I need it?
By Chiara Castro last updated
vpn VPN obfuscation is the technology that allows you to circumvent VPN blocking. Here, we explore how VPN obfuscation works and when you need it.
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NordVPN Double VPN – what is it and why should you use it?
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
vpn VPN providers have all sorts of complex features. Here we explain exactly what NordVPN's Double VPN is, and if it's worth using.
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What is VPN split tunneling and how does it work?
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
vpn It might be something you've heard of when picking a VPN, but what is split tunneling, and is it something you really need? Here, we explain all.
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DeepSeek AI banned by NASA, US Navy, and more over privacy concerns
By George Phillips last updated
Opposition to DeepSeek is not uncommon, as many countries and organizations have take action against the Chinese AI app.
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ExpressVPN's Aircove router doubles its speeds with new update
By George Phillips published
A huge update to ExpressVPN's Aircove router sees it double its speeds and adopt new privacy features and security standards.
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ExpressVPN remakes its Lightway protocol in Rust – what you need to know
By George Phillips published
ExpressVPN has re-released its Lightway VPN protocol in Rust. Here's everything you need to know and why this means faster speeds and greater security.
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Introducing Obscura VPN – the privacy-focused VPN that claims to "outsmart internet censorship"
By George Phillips published
Obscura VPN is the new VPN on the block. But what do we know about the VPN that claims to "outsmart internet censorship" and can it challenge the best VPNs?
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What's happening with the TikTok ban?
By George Phillips last updated
The TikTok ban will no longer be enforced by law after President Trump issued an executive order. But what has all the fuss been about?
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Mullvad VPN now available on Windows Arm devices
By George Phillips published
Windows Arm device users are in luck as privacy-focused Mullvad VPN launches its Arm app.
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French broadcaster Canal+ launches sweeping attack on leading VPNs
By George Phillips published
French broadcaster Canal+ has challenged leading VPN companies in court in a bid to combat piracy.
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"Blatantly unlawful and horrifically intrusive" data collection is everywhere – how to fight back
By George Phillips published
We're in a constant battle to protect our data privacy, but how can this be done? Expert Rowenna Fielding shares advice for those looking to take back control of their data.
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NordVPN will never store your data – and it can prove it
By George Phillips published
Your personal information is safe with NordVPN. Its no-logs claim has been independently audited for a fifth time.
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What is a VPN kill switch, and why do you need one?
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
vpn VPN kill switches are an essential privacy feature, and provide your first line of defense should your connection drop. Here's all you need to know.
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2.8 million IP addresses being used in brute force attack on VPNs
By George Phillips published
VPNs are being targeted as hackers undertake a brute force cyber attack using 2.8 million IP addresses
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Global data breaches rose in 2024, as 700 million US records were leaked. We break down the numbers and share advice on staying safe.
By George Phillips published
The breach rate in the US was almost 40% higher than in 2023
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Happy Birthday NordVPN – celebrate with an exclusive deal
By George Phillips published
Celebrate NordVPN's birthday in style with a range of limited time offers.
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New research shows 4.8 billion people affected by internet censorship in 2024
By George Phillips published
Almost half the world was impacted by internet restrictions in 2024. Which country was affected the most, and how can people fight back?
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Massive DeepSeek data leak exposes sensitive info for over 1 million users — what you need to know
By George Phillips last updated
The data of over one million DeepSeek AI users could be at risk, as more vulnerabilities in the app have been found.
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Is DeepSeek safe to use?
By George Phillips last updated
DeepSeek is the AI tool on everyone's lips right now. But be careful, it might not be as safe as you think.
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VPN feature axed from Microsoft Defender
By George Phillips published
Microsoft prioritizes AI over data privacy as its VPN feature is removed from Microsoft 365 Defender – here's what it means for you.
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DeepSeek AI banned in Italy as data privacy concerns pile up
By George Phillips published
Italy has become the first country to ban DeepSeek as concerns about the AI tool's data privacy practices grow.
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