Olivia Powell
Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023 as part of the core Future Tech Software team, and is the Commissioning Editor for Tech Software. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia stays up-to-date with all things cyber and creates content across TechRadar Pro, TechRadar and Tom’s Guide.
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 cyber 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 AES-256 encryption?
By Sam Dawson published
Everything you need to know about this super-secure encryption protocol

What is ExpressVPN's ID Theft Insurance?
By Catherine Hiley published
ExpressVPN's latest offering aims to protect your identity online, but how does it work?

What is WireGuard?
By Alex Hughes published
One of the many VPN protocols out there, is WireGuard right for you?

What is ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol?
By Alex Hughes published
Lightway is ExpressVPN's in-house VPN protocol – but what makes it different to the industry standards?

What is Onion over VPN?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
Everything you need to know about NordVPN's Onion over VPN

What is Surfshark's Dynamic Multi-hop?
By Krishi Chowdhary published
VPN Multi-hop routes your data through two servers, encrypting it twice. Surfshark's Dynamic MultiHop, however, takes this feature to a whole new level.

What is ExpressVPN's Personal Data Removal?
By Zoran Danilovic published
Why ExpressVPN's Data Removal service is a handy tool for protection you and your data online

Is Mullvad still worth buying?
By Stuart Burns published
Mullvad is well known as a privacy powerhouse, but is it still worth buying?

What is a VPN protocol?
By Shaun Rockwood published
Everything you need to know about VPN protocols from what they are to how they work

Mullvad VPN review
By Stuart Burns last updated
VPN My in-depth Mullvad review explores whether the Swedish stalwart's security features, unblocking power, and apps live up to its privacy-focused reputation.

What is MACE from Private Internet Access?
By Alex Hughes published
Block out pesky ads with this Private Internet Acess VPN feature

Proton VPN Stealth protocol: what is it and why should you use it?
By Chiara Castro last updated
vpn With its new obfuscated VPN protocol, Proton VPN is committed to promote internet freedom for everyone globally.

Hide.me VPN Review
By Esat Dedezade last updated
VPN With a great free option and tons of features to please experts, my Hide.me VPN review digs down into what makes it a tempting provider.

The US TikTok ban – a full timeline
By Olivia Powell last updated
Every time TikTok has clashed with the US government, from COPPA violations to the potential ban

What is a VPN audit?
By Krishi Chowdhary published
VPN A VPN audit proves the reliability of a VPN service, and is, therefore, essential. Here's everything you need to know about VPN audits.

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

What are the benefits of using a VPN?
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
VPNs are everywhere these days – but why bother investing in one? Here are the biggest and best VPN benefits.

It's Safer Internet Day – here are 5 tips to help you be safer online
By Olivia Powell published
From avoiding phishing scams to using a VPN, here are the best ways to keep yourself safe online

What is OpenVPN?
By Alex Hughes published
OpenVPN has been around for decades – here's everything you need to know about it, and what it's actually used for.

What is ExpressVPN's Identity Defender?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
How ExpressVPN's cybersecurity feature can help protect your identity online

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.

What is NordLynx?
By Catherine Hiley published
Everything you need to know about NordVPN's NordLynx protocol

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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