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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Leading VPN provider publishes transparency report – but what does it mean?
By Olivia Powell published
We take a deep dive into PIA's transparency report to explore what it means
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What is a man-in-the-middle attack?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
We explore how you can spot and prevent this hidden cyber attack
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How to protect your new laptop
By Olivia Powell last updated
Cyber Security Our experts have compiled a list of the top VPNs, antivirus software, and password managers for all-round protection of your new laptop and personal data
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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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What is Surfshark?
By Krishi Chowdhary published
VPN Surfshark is one of the biggest names in the cybersecurity space, but what exactly is it and what can you use it for?
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Did you know a VPN can protect you from spyware? Here's how
By Olivia Powell published
No one wants hackers snooping on their info – here's how a VPN can help keep your devices safe.
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What is a VPN blocker?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
A deep dive into what VPN blockers are, and how to get around them
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The best ITVX VPN in 2025
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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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What is NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro?
By Olivia Powell published
The ins and outs of the latest cybersecurity threat protection service from NordVPN.
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Best dark web VPN in 2025
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.
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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
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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.
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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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Are you prepared for Q-day?
By Olivia Powell published
How to prepare for the day computers crack encryption algorithms
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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
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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."
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