Andy Sansom
Andy is a Staff Writer covering VPNs and privacy at Tom's Guide
You may have seen his name 'round these parts before, as he was previously a Trainee Writer at Tom's Guide where he specialized in gaming, AI and phones, but lent his hand to many topics. He then joined the team at T3 and became a streaming and computing guru, but has now returned to Tom's Guide to keep you safe online, and bring you the latest news in VPN and cyber security.
Outside of work, his passions are movies, football (soccer) and Formula 1. He lives in Bath, UK, and is something of an amateur screenwriter having studied Creative Writing at university.
Latest articles by Andy Sansom
![Hola VPN on devices](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AiAKJoMtEeWCAeMnEZcLbH-320-80.jpg)
160 million people have been using an untrustworthy VPN – uninstall this app now
By Andy Sansom last updated
Despite suspiciously positive customer reviews, this VPN should be avoided at all costs. Here's why you need to say adiós to Hola VPN.
![A globe protected by a VPN](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TbrX22fX7c29Lv76K39ZLU-320-80.jpg)
Why are there so many VPN apps, and how do you avoid the scams?
By Andy Sansom published
We are constantly seeing new VPNs of variable quality popping up to join the market. But why are there so many different providers?
![A white woman with long brown hair in a ponytail looks down at her computer in a distressed manner. She is holding her forehead with one hand and a credit card with the other](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qrxBgJZKdNgsgdceVNYZ2m-320-80.jpg)
100 million downloads down the drain – why you can't trust this VPN
By Andy Sansom published
There are so many different VPNs these days, but can a VPN with 100 million downloads really be that bad?
![Shield bearing letters 'VPN' on rendering of circuit board.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i5oWA2qgf9FugwQP9r73wn-320-80.jpg)
How does a free VPN compare to a premium one in the most common uses?
By Andy Sansom published
VPNs come in two flavors, free and premium. As a rule of thumb, you get what you pay for, but is a Free VPN enough for you?
![VPN app on a smartphone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GeAHoCs9MipJ9GWSrDGeHV-320-80.jpg)
This VPN is offering five years for the price of one - but is it worth it?
By Andy Sansom published
There's currently a deal for AdGuard VPN that sounds very tempting, but is it worth subscribing for 5 years for just one $40 payment?
![The home page for Steam](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kq426XFE2gzifzQdVzDYDU-320-80.jpg)
Is using a VPN on Steam a real-life cheat code?
By Andy Sansom published
Steam is the largest digital marketplace for PC games, and with different regional sales and prices, it can be tempting to use a VPN. But should you?
![A VPN running on a mobile device](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zEMmrPzRNRpn5L3urabfZV-320-80.jpg)
Mobile scam in Dubai shows why you shouldn't trust disreputable VPNs
By Andy Sansom published
There are countless free VPNs out there but many aren't what they seem. A scam in Dubai stealing money from mobile phone users is just the latest proof.
![Stop Social Media Censorship Act](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/URU6J95G2cWoFVTr5wfUSA-320-80.jpg)
Using a VPN challenges censorship, hackers, and so much more
By Andy Sansom published
Wherever in the world you live, you have a right to the truth. A VPN could be the best way for you to stay up-to-date and avoid censorship.
![Trello](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bGbGrNPH6UjUJbwjdiWNPU-320-80.jpg)
Trello User? Your personal information might be on sale for pennies
By Andy Sansom published
Millions of people use Trello at work everyday, but your private data may just have become public knowledge at a knockdown price.
![VPN user inputting their login and password on computer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QKDpAsx3GeD58FK6qj88KY-320-80.jpg)
This free VPN has over 4000 servers – and you've never heard of it
By Andy Sansom published
Any VPN with over 4000 servers is pretty impressive but especially a free one. But why haven't you heard of VPN Gate, and is it worth your time?
![Pinterest](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CcfCnJHUKYDgnHqQin9FQC-320-80.jpg)
Claims surface of Pinterest hack – how to protect yourself
By Andy Sansom last updated
Pinterest claims it "found no evidence of a compromise"
![A digital concept image of a VPN protecting internet data. The VPN is an electric blue shield in a browser window](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oXXes3mMRhfmnZGC2ZDtR5-320-80.jpg)
Could VPNs kill off antivirus apps?
By Andy Sansom published
The days of traditional antivirus software could be numbered. Many top VPN services are now providing their own equivalents as part of a subscription.
![Two teenage boys leaning against a wall texting on smartphones.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/p5G3fSd84z8f6DaYwBnbt7-320-80.jpg)
What is smishing? One ingenious way to avoid it
By Andy Sansom published
Internet phishing attacks have been around for a long time, but SMS messages aren't safe either unless you use this one neat trick from a top VPN provider.
![A couple opens a new laptop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZzuNCEgxVZKAeQ5bmUzs65-320-80.jpg)
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
![Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the USA Men's National Team dribbles the ball during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup warm-up game.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QeU3U4k6r245DtiboSre9M-320-80.jpg)
Why are VPNs the latest must-have for sports fans?
By Andy Sansom published
If you're a sports fan of any kind then a VPN is pretty much essential. A good VPN will help you stay up to date with your favorite teams and athletes wherever you are.
![Urban VPN](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CRQNAH3X3ppr5pBu2QV8gn-320-80.jpg)
Over 20 million people have downloaded a VPN that isn't safe – delete this app now
By Andy Sansom published
Urban VPN is fast-becoming a very popular provider, with a claimed 20 million users. However, there are skeletons in its closet.
![Kids using tablets and consoles](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qkNemnhcnnXWfPDYuYtNoP-320-80.jpg)
Cybercriminals are targeting your kids – but there's an easy fix
By Andy Sansom published
Kids these days are more online than ever but they still need to watch out. Having a VPN is a brilliant way to protect their data online, whatever your kids are up to.
![AT&T 3g shutdown](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/btnVLkgMm7tgwsbEMJwv9N-320-80.jpg)
AT&T breach victims need to take these 3 steps right now
By Andy Sansom published
Breaking It's not a good day to be an AT&T customer. The company has revealed that tens of millions of customers have had their call and message records leaked in a data breach.
![A hand types on a laptop keyboard while the word PASSWORD and a login field are superimposed.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/36kmPNfW7N994RjTki9P8Z-320-80.jpg)
Never copy and paste a password again – Proton Pass can now share them securely
By Andy Sansom published
Digital privacy champs Proton have introduced a new way to share passwords securely with Secure Links, now available in Proton Pass.
![Surfshark Alternative Number](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CU9jEKWcvQMd6RqrwQuYib-320-80.jpg)
Surfshark's new feature means you never have to give out your real number again
By Andy Sansom published
Surfshark has just improved its Alternative ID feature – it now has the ability to generate fake phone numbers to use and discard to protect your privacy.
![ExpressVPN on an iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MFHeV5au5KhZBuz9RAYE3U-320-80.jpg)
ExpressVPN price and plans – good value in 2024?
By Andy Sansom published
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN choices around. Here we'll explain the pricing structure to help you find the best deal for your needs.
![An older lady using a laptop with her daughter](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WGZ8vDy3q2yGTix6RPYFZd-320-80.jpg)
Want to protect your parents online? Try installing a VPN
By Andy Sansom published
It would be easy to think that VPNs are only for those who grew up with the internet and are constantly online, but that's not true. Even the older generations should use a VPN.
![Surfshark VPN](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VEgPcrkfyqLRcbsQwKLZkS-320-80.jpg)
Surfshark prices – deals, costs, and plans in 2024
By Andy Sansom published
Surfshark is one of the most popular VPN services, but how much does it cost and what is included with each subscription tier. Let's dive in.