Olivia Powell
Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023 as part of the core Future Tech Software team, and is the Commissioning Editor for Tech Software. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia stays up-to-date with all things cyber and creates content across TechRadar Pro, TechRadar and 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 cyber 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 VPN running on a laptop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UzCaBJFSMn6t5ZbuKy2P8b-320-80.jpg)
What is the difference between VPN hardware and VPN software?
By Sam Dawson published
The differences between VPN hardware and software and what they're used for
![NordVPN on all platforms](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XXWjH6ZuuvQm5naoZG2Z7j-320-80.jpg)
Is NordVPN legit?
By Krishi Chowdhary published
vpn NordVPN is the best VPN service in our testing, and in this article, we round up the top reasons why it's a legit VPN.
![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)
Radmin VPN review
By Sam Dawson published
Radmin VPN may have 32 million users, but should you be one of them?
![Engineer designing AI technology with reflection on eyeglasses](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kaSz3TgBbsXecgFWkaUDqN-320-80.jpg)
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
![best Australia VPN](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kU6y2pm9FjEN9gNeqAGZLc-320-80.jpg)
The best Australia VPN in 2024
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPNs down under Whether you live Down Under or you're just visiting, an Australia VPN is the easiest way to access more streaming content and stay safe online.
![Hacker in hoodie](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V3G6CT7wXqHUwzxa3LDzum-320-80.jpg)
What is a man-in-the-middle attack?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
We explore how you can spot and prevent this hidden cyber attack
![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
![A VPN running on a mobile device](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zEMmrPzRNRpn5L3urabfZV-320-80.jpg)
Urban VPN review
By Sam Dawson published
Urban VPN has over 2 million downloads, but should you download it?
![Surfshark multiplatform preview](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fVJ95Rk3zANQ7pJvLabUSD-320-80.png)
What is Surfshark?
By Krishi Chowdhary published
vpn Surfshark is one of the biggest names in the cybersecurity space, but what exactly is it and what can you use it for?
![A cropped shot of hands connecting a cable and getting charged to a smartphone. The smartphone and laptop have green binary code](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jQiWnHAXKxSRmaahRtBBE7-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A close up of a series of webpages on a computer screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r8sGGKdooYpX3EwUaxRskD-320-80.jpg)
What is a VPN blocker?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
A deep dive into what VPN blockers are, and how to get around them
![ITVX logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/grtDQ9cPTJ6DZd4v4UyjM8-320-80.jpg)
The best ITVX VPN in 2024
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.
![A close-up of a woman in an airport using a smartphone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aazNFWAX3kPt3skAmZR4sV-320-80.jpg)
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.
![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)
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
![A 3-D render of a digital cuber with a key on top of it](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HDKsVGLP7v9QD2FcYgnEqN-320-80.jpg)
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.
![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)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zG3Dv72VTcM4JGyKwgDVKG-320-80.jpg)
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
![Taylor Swift onstage at Wembley Stadium on June 21st, 2024. She is wearing a sparkly gold and blue bodysuit](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9LJ63ixsd7ayZdZYQiy6UR-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A stock image of a hacker using a computer to infect a server with a virus](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9JmTabf9SdZjLaW9muABUj-320-80.jpg)
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
![A woman with short dark hair looking seriously at a computer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QfNVg7TdkrdBV43ktzqFYK-320-80.jpg)
What can you do to protect yourself from Q-Day?
By Krishi Chowdhary published
Quantum computers will soon be able to break the internet and invade our privacy, but post-quantum VPNs present a viable solution
![Colourful, wooden children's toys in the shape of animals on the floor of a nursery](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uaCm2TVRhLmdENvFdGuUv6-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A digital concept image of a scam warning on a phone against a yellow background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WmNDWmX6uidTxDz6c93YdE-320-80.jpg)
What is Nord Threat Protection Pro?
By Olivia Powell published
The ins and outs of the latest cybersecurity threat protection service from Nord.
![Screen with numbers, letters, and symbols](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2KtH7pMwckN7K7WsZtP5kH-320-80.jpg)
Best dark web VPN in 2024
By Olivia Powell published
VPN The dark web can be just as dangerous as it is secure and anonymous, which is why you need the best dark web VPNs to ensure your safety.
![A digital concept image of security, a padlock against a green background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WeafonYYBYSuwEMDxt45PK-320-80.jpg)
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