Olivia Powell

Olivia Powell

Buying Guide Editor

Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023, and is now Buying Guide Editor. In her role as Buying Guide Editor, she gives buying advice on everything from fitness trackers to emergency car kits. She was previously Commissioning Editor for Tech Software at 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 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

Cyber Monday VPN deals: how much should you pay?

By Olivia Powell last updated

VPNs can vary wildly in price, especially on Cyber Monday, so how much should you be paying for one?

VPNs
Which VPN has the best Cyber Monday deal?

By Olivia Powell last updated

Cyber Monday is here, and it's the best time to get a bargain on a VPN. But with so many on offer, how do you choose? Well, that's where we can help!

VPNs
Privacy apathy is real – and you probably have it

By Olivia Powell Published

We all know what steps to take to be safe online – so why aren't we?

Online Security
Hackers target SonicWall VPNs to spread ransomware

By Olivia Powell Published

Over 30 different organizations have been breached via a SonicWall vulnerability.

VPNs
5 reasons why Surfshark just overtook ExpressVPN in our rankings

By Olivia Powell Published

Surfshark has moved up our rankings thanks to our latest round of testing – here's why.

VPNs
How to access ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode in the EU

By Olivia Powell last updated

ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode is blocked in some countries – here's how to get around them

VPNs
You can now check if your data has been leaked thanks to Surfshark's new tool

By Olivia Powell Published

This free online data leak checker will let you know if your data has been compromised

VPNs
Abstract images depicting cyber security with a lock and PC keyboard
It's Cybersecurity Awareness Month – here are 3 tools to keep you safe online

By Olivia Powell Published

Keep yourself safe through October and beyond with these 3 cybersecurity tools

Online Security
A Pair of hands holding an Android phone with NordVPN
NordVPN introduces post-quantum encryption for future-proofed privacy

By Olivia Powell Published

NordVPN will introduce quantum-resilient encryption to all its apps by 2025, future-proofing its protection for all users.

VPNs
NordVPN
Is NordVPN still worth buying?

By Olivia Powell Published

This VPN has retained its top spot in our rankings – here's why

VPNs
Image of Opera logo on a phone display against a blue background
It's official: Opera VPN does not log your data

By Olivia Powell Published

Opera has proven that its free VPN does not log or store user data

VPNs
social media app shortcuts shown off on an iphone
Facebook, Instagram and YouTube have privacy practices that could put your data at risk

By Olivia Powell Published

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube could store your data for up to 180 days after your account's been deleted

VPNs
saving money
How much should a VPN cost?

By Olivia Powell Published

You might not have to pay top dollar for top-level protection – but certain features can really run up your bill.

VPNs
Computer network router / switch with several connected colourful LAN cables
VPN routers are being targeted by botnets – here's how to keep safe

By Olivia Powell Published

All the signs your device is part of a botnet – and how to prevent it from happening

VPNs
A man looking at his laptop in a stressed and upset manner
New sextortion scam combines stolen data to target victims directly

By Olivia Powell Published

Scammers are attempting to extort victims by using their stolen data to claim they have been surveilling them

Online Security
An open lock depicting a data breach
Don't lose trust after data breaches – 4 tips to keep your data safe

By Olivia Powell Published

The four best ways to protect your personal information online, from masked emails to fake identities.

Online Security
Proton VP)N logo under a magnifying glass
What is Proton Scribe?

By Olivia Powell Published

Proton has introduced an AI-powered writing assistant to its privacy-focused offering – but is it any good?

Online Security
Messaging app icons on an iPhone
Will the CEO's arrest mean the end of Telegram? 3 alternatives to the secure messaging app

By Olivia Powell Published

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, has been arrested as part of an investigation, with some charges related to indecent images of children.

Online Security
Image of an Apple MacBook with a Google Chrome logo on the display
Compromised VPN login used to steal Google Chrome credentials

By Olivia Powell Published

The Qilin ransomware gang is thought to be responsible for the data exfiltration cyber attack.

VPNs
A woman on her laptop and smartphone. The smartphone has a secure symbol on the display
The beta of "the world's most private VPN" has just launched

By Olivia Powell Published

Nym Technologies is offering two beta testing modes – fast and anonymous – and claim that it goes "beyond all traditional VPN protections."

VPNs
The Capitol Building in the USA
These House of Representatives members are at the highest risk of being exposed online

By Olivia Powell Published

75% of House representatives have had their personal data exposed online

Online Security
Young woman using mobile app on smartphone to manage charging electric car
You've heard of carjacking – but what about carhacking?

By Olivia Powell Published

We explore how hackers are taking advantage of smart car's technology to steal them

VPNs
A stock illustration of a world map with a VPN on it
Can you really have a "proxy VPN"?

By Olivia Powell Published

We explore why "proxy VPN" is actually an oxymoron and why you shouldn't download one.

VPNs
A vector illustration of a hacker climbing out off an app on a smartphone
When is a VPN not a VPN?

By Olivia Powell Published

Be wary of apps that claim to be VPNs but are really anything but

VPNs
Engineer designing AI technology with reflection on eyeglasses
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

VPNs
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