
George Phillips
George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. He has long been a trade union activist and political campaigner, so channels this experience into his work surrounding internet censorship and privacy and is well aware of the dangers posed to individual's internet freedoms.
George constantly uses VPNs on all of his devices, very rarely turning them off. He is always aware of his personal data and how he, and VPNs, can protect it.
Before joining Tom's Guide, he completed an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and has experience writing and producing content for music, education, and wellbeing publications. As well as writing, George is a keen podcast and audio producer.
Outside of work, George is passionate about music, regularly attending gigs, collecting vinyl, and playing guitar. George is also a huge Star Wars fan and holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Shotokan Karate.
Latest articles by George Phillips

Experts warn Q-Day may arrive in less than 2 years – but how vulnerable is our data?
By George Phillips published
Quantum computing advances in China has led some experts to warn Q-Day may be closer than we think. How safe is our data and do we need to panic yet?

Most NordVPN users are making the same mistake – don't be one of them
By George Phillips published
Ever wondered what NordVPN's most underused feature is? The answer may surprise you, and it's one of the provider's most useful. Here's what it is.

$50 Amazon gift cards available for new NordVPN subscribers in this early Prime Day deal
By George Phillips last updated
Receive up to $50 in free Amazon gift cards thanks to NordVPN's limited time deal. Read on to see how to sign up and what plans are on offer.

We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here's what they came up with, and more
By George Phillips published
We asked cybersecurity experts to build a range of privacy toolboxes. Whether you're mobile-first or want the best of the best, there's a bundle for you.

NordVPN is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card with 4 months of free VPN in this exclusive deal
By George Phillips last updated
NordVPN's Amazon gift card deal just got even better. All two-year plans now come with four extra months of VPN protection for free. Here are the deals for your region.

ExpressVPN reasserts its privacy claims with third no-logs audit
By George Phillips published
ExpressVPN has undergone a third independent audit of its no-logs policy. Its no-logging claims have been proven and here's everything you need to know.

NordVPN certified as the only anti-phishing VPN – for the second year running
By George Phillips published
NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro has been certified as an anti-phishing tool for the second year running. Here's what you need to know and how to protect yourself.

Dark mode comes to ExpressVPN – here's how to get it
By George Phillips published
New themes, including dark mode, are now available for ExpressVPN users on iPhone and Android. Here's all the new appearances and how to get them.

WhatsApp introduces ads – and we need to re-evaluate its privacy credentials
By George Phillips published
Metadata collection and the introduction of in-app ads signals the end of WhatsApp's privacy credentials. What has been done and what are the alternatives?

NordVPN is giving out free Amazon gift cards in the UK and Australia – here's how to get yours
By George Phillips last updated
NordVPN is now giving away free Amazon gift cards for UK and Australia-based subscribers – here's how to get yours.

Demand for VPNs in Iran increases by 700% as internet restrictions hit the country
By George Phillips published
Iranians are facing more network restrictions as the internet is shut down across the country. Here's what you need to know.

NordVPN hit with class-action lawsuit over allegations of 'deceptive' pricing
By George Phillips last updated
Auto-renewing NordVPN subscriptions have come under fire as a customer has launched a class-action lawsuit against the VPN giant. Here's what you need to know.

Surfshark won't log your data – it's been confirmed for a second time
By George Phillips published
Surfshark has undergone a no-logs policy audit for the second time. It's been confirmed the provider won't log your browsing activity. Here's what you need to know.

VPNs with Chinese military links still available on Google Play and Apple App Store 2 months after being discovered
By George Phillips published
In April 2025, over 20 dangerous Chinese-linked VPNs were identified on the Apple App and Google Play Stores. 2 months later, most of them are still there.

We asked 4 VPN experts which VPNs they use – and the results surprised us
By George Phillips published
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.

Is Hide.me Free actually worth using?
By George Phillips published
Hide.me Free is a reputable and secure free VPN. But is it usable, and how does it compare to the best free VPNs? Read on to hear our verdict.

Surfshark launches Surfshark Everlink to bring you uninterrupted VPN connections
By George Phillips published
Surfshark Everlink is an industry-first and promises to improve VPN connections. You'll always stay online and your data will never be exposed.

IPVanish becomes the United Rugby Championship's official VPN partner
By George Phillips published
IPVanish is highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in the world of professional rugby as it becomes the United Rugby Championship's official VPN partner.

Streaming giants become the latest group to target VPNs in a bid to combat piracy
By George Phillips published
VPNs are increasingly being singled out and blamed for facilitating piracy. The MPA has become the latest to target VPNs and call for streaming site blocking.

Privacy providers clash over controversial proposals to change Swiss encryption law
By George Phillips last updated
Infomaniak has clashed with Proton as the two companies disagree over approaches to Switzerland's controversial proposed surveillance law change.

NordVPN achieves excellent results in latest security and performance evaluation
By George Phillips published
NordVPN has achieved overwhelmingly positive results in an independent performance and security assessment. Here's everything you need to know.

Can you use a VPN with the Nintendo Switch 2?
By George Phillips published
Are you wondering if you can protect your new Nintendo Switch 2 with a VPN? The answer is yes you can, but it's not the easiest task.

Think you have nothing to hide? A VPN might still be useful
By George Phillips published
45% of Tom's Guide readers don't use a VPN. We investigate the reasons why and address any concerns. Could a VPN be for you?
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