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

Age checks in the UK result in a 77% decrease in visits to adult sites – but does this mean age verification works?
By Olivia Powell published
Since the Online Safety Act was passed in the UK, visits to adult sites have reportedly decreased by 77%

3.4 billion phishing emails are sent every month – and Surfshark's new feature can help keep you safe
By Joe Chivers published
Surfshark has rolled out a new feature which aims to prevent phishing attacks by scanning users' emails

These ExpressVPN updates make it easier than ever to monitor your iPhone VPN connection
By Krishi Chowdhary published
ExpressVPN has enhanced its mobile VPN experience with two new features: Network Insights and Secure Device Assistant, making it easier to stay secure and connected.

"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.

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

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.

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

The best Canada VPN
By Olivia Powell last updated
We've used our in-depth testing to determine the best Canada VPNs for streaming, security, speed and more

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

NordVPN adds crypto wallet checker to stop scams in their tracks
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
NordVPN's new wallet checker flags risky crypto addresses in real time, adding extra protection against scams without compromising your privacy

What is AgeGO, and is it safe to use?
By Olivia Powell last updated
With new age verification laws in the UK, many people are considering AgeGO to verify their age. But is it safe to use?

PureVPN bug leaked IPv6 traffic on Linux
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
The IPv6 leaks were discovered by a researcher and later confirmed by PureVPN to impact Linux users

What is the most private way of verifying your age?
By Joe Chivers last updated
There are multiple different ways to verify your age, but which will keep your data the most private?

The top 3 cybersecurity risks posed by age verification
By Olivia Powell last updated
From data breaches to the government getting its hands on your data – all the cybersecurity risks posed by age verification

4 reasons why ExpressVPN is still the best iPhone VPN
By Aleksandar Stevanović last updated
New VPNs come and go. Here's why ExpressVPN remains the go-to choice for iOS.

I'm a VPN expert, these are these are my top six deals for protecting your iPhone 17 – starting from $1.11 per month
By Olivia Powell, George Phillips last updated
Protecting your new iPhone is a no-brainer, so make sure it stays protected online with one of the best iPhone VPNs
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