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

By Alex Hughes Published
OpenVPN has been around for decades – here's everything you need to know about it, and what it's actually used for.

By Catherine Hiley Published
Everything you need to know about NordVPN's NordLynx protocol

By Sam Dawson Last updated
PIA may not have as many extras as other VPNs, but it's still a solid VPN – and it's very customizable.

By Aleksandar Stevanović Published
If something is free, you're the product. Here's how to improve your data privacy

By Olivia Powell Published
Research has revealed the best and worst US states for data privacy – how safe is yours?

By Alex Hughes Published
Everything you need to know about peer to peer networks and what they are actually used for

By Catherine Hiley Published
The best ways to recognise and avoid romance scams

By Alex Hughes Published
Everything you need to know about torrenting and how it works

By Aleksandar Stevanović Last updated
The best ways to get around the US TikTok ban now that it has gone ahead

By Olivia Powell Last updated
TikTok is in the spotlight over data concerns but does it collect any more than other popular social media platforms we use?

By Catherine Hiley Published
While it may not come with the same added extras as other VPNs, Private Internet Access is still a great VPN

By Alex Hughes Published
Everything you need to know about the dark web and what it's actually used for

By Krishi Chowdhary Last updated
Using a VPN may or may not be illegal depending on where you are and what you are trying to do. Read our in-depth guide for total clarity on the topic.

By Krishi Chowdhary Last updated
A VPN may or may not be safe. Read our in-depth guide if you're unsure on whether or not it is safe to use a VPN.

By Olivia Powell Published
Experts reveal what the top cyber threats to look out for in 2025 will be.

By Olivia Powell Published
It's time to look back at all the biggest data breaches we saw this year

By Catherine Hiley Published
The best software to protect all the new device you and your loved ones got for Christmas

By Olivia Powell Published
The top scams to look out for this holiday season – and how to avoid getting caught out

By Olivia Powell Last updated
Safer Santa Why using a VPN can ensure all is calm and bright this Christmas

By Olivia Powell Last updated
Get access to content from across the world with a Fire Stick VPN

By Sam Dawson Last updated
vpn Here, we're comparing NordVPN vs ExpressVPN in all the key areas—from speed and streaming to security and app compatibility.

By Krishi Chowdhary Published
Most VPNs offer dedicated IP addresses as an add-on, but what are they, and are they worth getting?

By Mo Harber-Lamond Last updated
vpn PlayStations don't natively support VPN connections, but getting a PS5 VPN isn't out of the question. Here are all your options.
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