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

Why is Spotify asking for age verification?
By Olivia Powell published
The Online Safety Act in the UK means that Spotify is now required to verify users' ages if they want to access 18+ content.

What is NordVPN's new Scam Call Protection feature?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
NordVPN's new scam call protection features aims to stop you from getting scammed by detecting phishing calls before you pick up the phone

What are the UK's new age verification laws?
By Olivia Powell last updated
What are the UK's new age verification laws, and how are users trying to avoid them?

The best Egypt VPN
By Aleksandar Stevanović last updated
VPN We've tested the top VPNs for use in Egypt. Here are the 5 best for speed, security, and streaming, plus expert advice on which one suits you best.

Hide.me Free review
By Lloyd Coombes published
Hide.Me Free is okay for light browsing, but its throttled speeds make it difficult to recommend when there are more flexible free services around

Upgrade your online protection for less than $1 with this Prime Day VPN deal
By Olivia Powell published
NordVPN is even offering Amazon gift cards worth up to $50

Is NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro worth it?
By Zoran Danilovic published
NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro offers you antivirus-like protection along with a VPN and password manager

Why a VPN is essential for summer travel
By Krishi Chowdhary published
Discover why a VPN is a must-have for summer travel – for streaming, security, and staying connected everywhere.

Is upgrading your NordVPN plan worth it?
By Aleksandar Stevanović published
NordVPN's Prime Day discount plus a free Amazon gift card worth up to $50 makes upgrading more worth it than ever

I used NordVPN to unlock global Netflix libraries, and all I got was this Amazon gift card
By Olivia Powell published
With NordVPN's Prime Day deal, you can enhance your streaming sessions and get an Amazon gift card of up to $50

Best Warzone VPN: how to get easy lobbies by avoiding SBMM
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
VPN A VPN for Warzone is the perfect tool for bagging more kills and avoiding SBMM. Here the top 5 Warzone VPNs on the market today.

The best Iran VPN
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
VPN Avoid widespread censorship facing citizens and travelers in Iran by using our top 5 Iran VPN choices.

Best TikTok VPN: evade bans and access anywhere
By Mo Harber-Lamond last updated
VPN Despite the TikTok ban being delayed, demand for the best TikTok VPN is still high. Here are the ones we trust the most.

Hotspot Shield Basic VPN Review
By Esat Dedezade last updated
Hotspot Shield Basic offers a generous unlimited data plan, but it's hampered by a lack of server locations and features, and the presence of ads.

Is it really worth upgrading from Windscribe Free?
By Olivia Powell published
With a generous data limit, excellent privacy features and decent speeds, Windscribe Free is a great option for those who want a VPN without the price tag. Is there any reason to upgrade?

The best Indonesia VPN
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
vpn The best Indonesia VPN is the perfect tool for avoiding censorship and streaming more content wherever you are. Here's our top 5.

How to watch overseas content with a VPN
By Olivia Powell last updated
vpn If geo-blocking is preventing you from watching your favorite shows, learn how to use a VPN to watch content from overseas.

Windscribe VPN review
By Esat Dedezade last updated
Windscribe's free plan, customizable pricing, and privacy tools make it a great option – but its malware protection, apps, and chat support leave something to be desired

Free Android VPNs: the best safe, functional options
By Krishi Chowdhary last updated
VPN There are countless free Android VPNs out there, and a huge amount aren't legit. Here, we run down those that are worth using.

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.

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.
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