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

"Protecting users is more important than ever" – NordVPN's new content filter is a real alternative to age verification
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
NordVPN's DNS-based content filters block adult sites before they load

Surfshark launches privacy-first web content blocker
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
Surfshark has launched a privacy-first web content blocker for Android and iOS, letting families filter online content by category without tracking browsing activity.

NordVPN's Times Square stunt lets New Yorkers "talk to a hacker"
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
NordVPN's "Talk to a Hacker" campaign in Times Square let people chat live with ethical hackers who uncovered their personal info in minutes – a stark reminder of online privacy risks.

The best cheap VPN in 2025
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN We've tested dozens of VPNs and evaluated how much they cost to bring you a definitive ranking of the top 5 best cheap VPNs, including Surfshark, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access

Best Fire Stick VPN in 2025
By Olivia Powell last updated
I've tested dozens of VPN for Fire Stick. Here I'll run down the very best Fire Stick VPNs, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and more.

The best Netflix VPN in 2025
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN We've tested dozens of VPNs for Netflix, and here we round up the likes of NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN to find the very best Netflix VPN.

The best iPad VPN in 2025
By Olivia Powell last updated
We've tested dozens of VPNs on iPad to bring you a definitive ranking of the top 5 best iPad VPNs, including ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark

The best UK VPN
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN Discover the best UK VPNs for privacy, streaming and speed – I've tested the best services out there and these are my 5 favorites right now.

NordVPN open-sources its Linux app's GUI and simplifies installation
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
NordVPN has now open-sourced its Linux GUI and added it to the Snap package for one-command installs and automatic updates

ExpressVPN review
By Michael Simon last updated
VPN In our complete ExpressVPN review, we run down this well-known VPN's features, apps and performance, and give our unbiased opinion of the service.

The best BBC iPlayer VPN
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN From catching up on sporting events, to Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC has it all. A BBC iPlayer VPN is your ticket to entry

The best streaming VPN in 2025
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN We've tested dozens of VPNs with streaming sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer to bring you a definitive ranking of the top 5 best streaming VPNs, including NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN

Best VPN free trial in 2025
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN free trials can help you get an idea for what a VPN service is like without committing. Here we've ranked the top five we've tested.

The best Android VPN in 2025
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN Protect your Android device and make the most of your streaming subscriptions with the best Android VPNs in 2025.

Online age verification in the USA – a complete timeline
By Olivia Powell published
A full timeline of all the age verification laws in the United States, and what they mean for their citizens

How to use a VPN for online gaming
By Joe Chivers published
A complete guide to using a VPN for online gaming, from why you may want to use a VPN for online gaming, to how to pick a VPN to any risks you need to look out for.

How to bypass VPN blocks and restrictions
By Joe Chivers published
All the most common ways VPNs can be blocked, and how to get around these restrictions

How to troubleshoot common VPN problems
By Joe Chivers published
From dropped connections to slow speeds, here's how to fix common VPN issues

Surfshark introduces dedicated IP for browser extensions
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
A static IP can mean fewer CAPTCHAs, smoother logins, and easier access to remote networks. Now, Surfshark lets you use one right in your browser.

Best Windows VPN for PC in 2025
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
VPN We've tested dozens of VPNs and evaluated their ease of use, speed, streaming support and privacy and security to determine the top 5 best Windows VPNs.

Is it illegal to circumvent age verification checks?
By Olivia Powell last updated
Since the introduction of online age verification, many citizens have been looking for ways to get around it. But is this legal?

Can you trust age verification agencies with your data?
By Michael Simon last updated
Age verification service providers handle highly sensitive information, but there are some important differences about how long they’ll keep it and who they’ll share it with.

ExpressVPN expands Apple presence with iPad redesign and Mac App Store rollout
By Krishi Chowdhary published
ExpressVPN has introduced a new look for its iPad app and is now available on the Mac app store
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