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

Everything you need to know about VPN deals this Cyber Monday
By Olivia Powell last updated
All the key info you need to know about the biggest bargains available on VPNs this Cyber Monday.

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?

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!

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?

Hackers target SonicWall VPNs to spread ransomware
By Olivia Powell published
Over 30 different organizations have been breached via a SonicWall vulnerability.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Is NordVPN still worth buying?
By Olivia Powell published
This VPN has retained its top spot in our rankings – here's why

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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."

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

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
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