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

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

What is MACE from Private Internet Access?
By Alex Hughes published
Block out pesky ads with this Private Internet Acess VPN feature

Proton VPN Stealth protocol: what is it and why should you use it?
By Chiara Castro last updated
VPN With its new obfuscated VPN protocol, Proton VPN is committed to promote internet freedom for everyone globally.
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