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

Free Netflix VPNs: are they worth downloading and which ones are good?
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN Free Netflix VPN services can't compete with paid VPNs, but there's at least one that's surprisingly effective.

The best Roku VPN in 2025
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN A Roku VPN can take time to set up, but once it's up and running you'll have access to tons of extra content. Here's our complete guide.

The best Turkey VPN
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN Using a Turkey VPN is the easiest way of avoiding the country's strict surveillance and content blocking – plus you can stream more, too.

Private Internet Access review
By Chris Hall last updated
In my hands-on Private Internet Access review, we run down what the veteran provider is like to use, and where it needs improvement.

The best VPN for ChatGPT in 2025
By Tom Bailey last updated
VPN Want access to ChatGPT from anywhere – even if it's banned in your country, school, or office? I've got you. Here are my top five ChatGPT VPNs.

The best UAE VPN for Dubai in 2025
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
vpn A UAE VPN for Dubai is the only way of accessing WhatsApp and censored sites in the Emirates. Here are the very best on the market.

What makes a good VPN?
By Alex Hughes published
It's not just all about encryption. From security to speed to servers to streaming, we explore all the factors that take a VPN from decent to great

What is NordLocker?
By Catherine Hiley published
Everything you need to know about NordLocker, the encrypted cloud storage service from the creators of NordVPN

What is World Quantum Day?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
Everything you need to know about World Quantum Day, from how it started to the impact quantum technology could have on you and your privacy

What can someone do with my IP address?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
Leaving your IP address publicly available can be dangerous. Here's why.

Proton VPN review
By Olivia Powell last updated
VPN Proton VPN is a very capable VPN, and will appeal to those looking for a more techy experience. However, it can't quite match the best of the best.

Get Surfshark for less than $2 per month with this Spring Black Friday deal
By Olivia Powell published
To kick off its birthday celebrations, Surfshark has dropped the price of both its VPN and antivirus to the lowest we've seen since Black Friday

The best router VPN in 2025
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN We've tested all the very best router VPNs, and here we've rounded up our top 5 – with one provider even offering bespoke hardware.

What is AES-256 encryption?
By Sam Dawson published
Everything you need to know about this super-secure encryption protocol

What is ExpressVPN's ID Theft Insurance?
By Catherine Hiley published
ExpressVPN's latest offering aims to protect your identity online, but how does it work?

What is WireGuard?
By Alex Hughes published
One of the many VPN protocols out there, is WireGuard right for you?

What is ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol?
By Alex Hughes published
Lightway is ExpressVPN's in-house VPN protocol – but what makes it different to the industry standards?

What is Onion over VPN?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
Everything you need to know about NordVPN's Onion over VPN

What is Surfshark's Dynamic Multi-hop?
By Krishi Chowdhary published
VPN Multi-hop routes your data through two servers, encrypting it twice. Surfshark's Dynamic MultiHop, however, takes this feature to a whole new level.

What is ExpressVPN's Personal Data Removal?
By Zoran Danilovic published
Why ExpressVPN's Data Removal service is a handy tool for protection you and your data online

Is Mullvad still worth buying?
By Stuart Burns published
Mullvad is well known as a privacy powerhouse, but is it still worth buying?

What is a VPN protocol?
By Shaun Rockwood published
Everything you need to know about VPN protocols from what they are to how they work

Mullvad VPN review
By Stuart Burns last updated
VPN My in-depth Mullvad review explores whether the Swedish stalwart's security features, unblocking power, and apps live up to its privacy-focused reputation.
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