Olivia Powell

Olivia Powell

Tech Software Commissioning Editor

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

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
A couple opens a new laptop
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

Cyber security
A cropped shot of hands connecting a cable and getting charged to a smartphone. The smartphone and laptop have green binary code
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.

VPNs
ITVX logo
The best ITVX VPN

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.

VPN
A close-up of a woman in an airport using a smartphone
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.

VPNs
A digital concept image of a VPN protecting internet data. The VPN is an electric blue shield in a browser window
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

VPNs
A 3-D render of a digital cuber with a key on top of it
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.

VPNs
Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at SoFi Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)
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

VPNs
Taylor Swift onstage at Wembley Stadium on June 21st, 2024. She is wearing a sparkly gold and blue bodysuit
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.

Swiftie streaming
A stock image of a hacker using a computer to infect a server with a virus
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

Hack
Colourful, wooden children's toys in the shape of animals on the floor of a nursery
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.

Smart Speakers
A digital concept image of a scam warning on a phone against a yellow background
What is NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro?

By Olivia Powell Published

The ins and outs of the latest cybersecurity threat protection service from NordVPN.

VPNs
A digital concept image of security, a padlock against a green background
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

VPNs
A VPN running on a mobile device
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.

VPNs
A man sat at a computer with a VPN displayed on the screen
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

VPNs
A woman with short dark hair looking seriously at a computer
Are you prepared for Q-day?

By Olivia Powell Published

How to prepare for the day computers crack encryption algorithms

VPNs
IPVanish
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

Proven privacy
A digital concept image of an online database
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."

Online Security
A concept image of a phone against a bright blue circuit board with 'VPN' in a shield on the phone's screen
Is your VPN keeping you safe for the future?

By Olivia Powell Published

Your VPN may use traditional encryption but it's not enough to make it quantum-proof

VPNs
The UK house of parliament flying the Union flag
Almost 70% of MPs have had their data leaked on the dark web

By Olivia Powell Published

Research has found that MP's emails have been exposed 2,110 times on the dark web

Online Security
Lots of red flags
5 VPN red flags to help you spot a dodgy VPN

By Olivia Powell Published

vpn It can be hard to know what to look out for when picking a VPN—these are the 5 things to avoid.

vpn
A download window that has partially loaded, with text reading: "Estimated time left...forever"
Internet being weird? It could be your VPN

By Olivia Powell Published

VPNs can be a super helpful tool, but they can also slow down your internet—here's why

VPNs
A hand typing at a computer in a dark room, lit up by the laptop's keyboard LEDs and red LED light
Hackers are targeting VPNs to gain access to enterprise systems

By Olivia Powell Published

This warning comes after Check Point discovered unauthorized login attempts on some local VPN accounts

VPNs
A person sat at a computer and a tablet, coding
Remote access tools targeted in 58% of ransomware attacks

By Olivia Powell Last updated

Why hackers are targeting remote access tools to spread ransomware and how to prevent these attacks.

VPNs
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