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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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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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.
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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
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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.
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What is ExpressVPN's Identity Defender?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
How ExpressVPN's cybersecurity feature can help protect your identity online
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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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What is NordLynx?
By Catherine Hiley published
Everything you need to know about NordVPN's NordLynx protocol
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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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Why you need to review your app permissions now
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
If something is free, you're the product. Here's how to improve your data privacy
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These states have the worst data privacy in the US – is yours one of them?
By Olivia Powell published
Research has revealed the best and worst US states for data privacy – how safe is yours?
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What is P2P?
By Alex Hughes published
Everything you need to know about peer to peer networks and what they are actually used for
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How to avoid romance scams
By Catherine Hiley published
The best ways to recognise and avoid romance scams
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What is torrenting?
By Alex Hughes published
Everything you need to know about torrenting and how it works
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Best TikTok VPN: evade bans and access anywhere
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN Despite the TikTok ban being delayed, demand for the best TikTok VPN is still high. Here are the ones we trust the most.
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How to get around the US TikTok ban
By Aleksandar Stevanović last updated
The best ways to get around the US TikTok ban now that it has gone ahead
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TikTok is under fire for harvesting data – but is it worse than any other social media platform?
By Olivia Powell last updated
TikTok is in the spotlight over data concerns but does it collect any more than other popular social media platforms we use?
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Private Internet Access is falling behind with features – but who cares?
By Catherine Hiley published
While it may not come with the same added extras as other VPNs, Private Internet Access is still a great VPN
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What is the dark web?
By Alex Hughes published
Everything you need to know about the dark web and what it's actually used for
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The best Australia VPN in 2025
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
VPNs down under Whether you live Down Under or you're just visiting, an Australia VPN is the easiest way to access more streaming content and stay safe online.
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Are VPNs legal?
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
Using a VPN may or may not be illegal depending on where you are and what you are trying to do. Read our in-depth guide for total clarity on the topic.
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