Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023 as part of the core Future Tech Software team, and is the Commissioning Editor at Tom's Guide. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia is interested in how VPNs protect users' privacy, and how they improve online safety. She also regularly uses VPNs to make sure they deliver what they promise, and specializes in testing VPNs with streaming sites.
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 cybersecurity 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

Best VPN free trial in 2025
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN free trials can help you get an idea for what a VPN service is like without committing. Here we've ranked the top five we've tested.

The best Android VPN in 2025
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN Protect your Android device and make the most of your streaming subscriptions with the best Android VPNs in 2025.

Online age verification in the USA – a complete timeline
By Olivia Powell published
A full timeline of all the age verification laws in the United States, and what they mean for their citizens

How to use a VPN for online gaming
By Joe Chivers published
A complete guide to using a VPN for online gaming, from why you may want to use a VPN for online gaming, to how to pick a VPN to any risks you need to look out for.

How to bypass VPN blocks and restrictions
By Joe Chivers published
All the most common ways VPNs can be blocked, and how to get around these restrictions

How to troubleshoot common VPN problems
By Joe Chivers published
From dropped connections to slow speeds, here's how to fix common VPN issues

Surfshark introduces dedicated IP for browser extensions
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
A static IP can mean fewer CAPTCHAs, smoother logins, and easier access to remote networks. Now, Surfshark lets you use one right in your browser.

Best Windows VPN for PC in 2025
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
VPN We've tested dozens of VPNs and evaluated their ease of use, speed, streaming support and privacy and security to determine the top 5 best Windows VPNs.

Is it illegal to circumvent age verification checks?
By Olivia Powell last updated
Since the introduction of online age verification, many citizens have been looking for ways to get around it. But is this legal?

Can you trust age verification agencies with your data?
By Michael Simon last updated
Age verification service providers handle highly sensitive information, but there are some important differences about how long they’ll keep it and who they’ll share it with.

ExpressVPN expands Apple presence with iPad redesign and Mac App Store rollout
By Krishi Chowdhary published
ExpressVPN has introduced a new look for its iPad app and is now available on the Mac app store

We asked 4 VPN experts which VPNs they use – and the results surprised us
By George Phillips last updated
Here at Tom's Guide, the VPN team spend all day writing about VPNs. But which providers do we actually use? The team shares their favourite VPNs and why they like them.

NordVPN adds crypto wallet checker to stop scams in their tracks
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
NordVPN's new wallet checker flags risky crypto addresses in real time, adding extra protection against scams without compromising your privacy

What is AgeGO, and is it safe to use?
By Olivia Powell last updated
With new age verification laws in the UK, many people are considering AgeGO to verify their age. But is it safe to use?

The best US VPN in 2025
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN We've tested dozens of VPNs to determine which are the best VPNs for the United States in terms of speed, security and streaming support

PureVPN bug leaked IPv6 traffic on Linux
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
The IPv6 leaks were discovered by a researcher and later confirmed by PureVPN to impact Linux users

What is the most private way of verifying your age?
By Joe Chivers last updated
There are multiple different ways to verify your age, but which will keep your data the most private?

The top 3 cybersecurity risks posed by age verification
By Olivia Powell last updated
From data breaches to the government getting its hands on your data – all the cybersecurity risks posed by age verification

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

Best travel VPN in 2025
By Olivia Powell last updated
A travel VPN is an essential part of your digital luggage for accessing sites and streaming apps from home. We've ranked and reviewed the top five.

The best gaming VPN in 2025
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN A gaming VPN is the simplest solution to avoiding DDoS attacks and network throttling. Here are my top 5, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

The best mobile VPN apps in 2025
By Olivia Powell last updated
We've tested dozens of apps to determine the top 5 best mobile VPNs, including ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark

4 reasons why ExpressVPN is still the best iPhone VPN
By Aleksandar Stevanović last updated
New VPNs come and go. Here's why ExpressVPN remains the go-to choice for iOS.
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!



