Articles by Olivia Powell, Commissioning Editor for Tech Software

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 cyber before finally ending up at Tom's Guide.

Olivia was also shortlisted for Security Serious' Unsung Heroes award in the Cyber Writer category.

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.

Articles by: Olivia Powell

visual graphic to represent internet security suites

The best internet security suites for 2025: ranked and rated by experts

By Benedict Collins last updated 25 March 25

Updated Get all-around protection for PCs, Macs and mobiles with one of today's best internet security suites.

What is the dark web?

By Sam Dawson last updated 31 May 24

The dark web is frequently in the news, but this article explains what it actually is.

Are VPNs really safe? How to check your service's security

By Chiara Castro last updated 29 May 24

VPN VPNs are meant to keep us safe online and secure users' anonymity—but can we trust them to protect our data?

A person sat in front of a TV with a VPN connected in the foreground. In the background Netflix is on the TV

Free vs paid VPNs

By Olivia Powell published 13 May 24

We compare free and paid VPNs to see which truly is the best

A hospital room with a bed and two lights hanging above it. The room is dark.

It's been a bad week for public cybersecurity

By Olivia Powell published 10 May 24

Ransomware attacks have meant that hospitals are fighting infections both in their wards and in their computer systems.

Netflix being weird? It could be your VPN

By Olivia Powell published 9 May 24

Stop your VPN from interrupting your streaming sessions by checking these 3 things

Four red flags on silver poles against a blue sky with light fluffy clouds

The top 5 VPN red flags to avoid

By Olivia Powell published 8 May 24

It can be hard to know what to look out for when picking a VPN—these are the 5 things to avoid.

A white woman with long brown hair in a ponytail looks down at her computer in a distressed manner. She is holding her forehead with one hand and a credit card with the other

4 reasons why most free VPNs are scams

By Olivia Powell published 5 May 24

Avoid downloading a dodgy free VPN by making sure it doesn't have these 4 things

A zoomed-in picture of a computer screen displaying a login window with a password typed in

The UK is banning weak passwords—here's why it's a good thing

By Olivia Powell published 30 April 24

Brits will no longer be able to use passwords like 'admin' or '1234' for internet-connected devices

A black man sat at a computer, using ChatGPT

CSOs say AI is 'biggest cyber threat' to their organizations

By Olivia Powell published 25 April 24

Generative AI Despite ChatGPT being around for almost a year and a half, people are still making grave data errors with it.

An American flag flying outside the US Capitol building against a blue sky

Government agencies shared logins over email - what does it mean for our security?

By Olivia Powell published 18 April 24

At least it wasn't Excel The Midnight Blizzard cyber attack demonstrates how dangerous—and widespread—poor cybersecurity practices are.

A wooden judges' gavel in the foreground with a golden set of scales in the backgroundr

Tennessee bill proposes restrictions on victims suing data-breached companies

By Olivia Powell published 12 April 24

Senate Bill 2018 would mean data breach class action lawsuits could not be launched against companies unless they did not have proper cybersecurity protections in place

Two people sitting next to each other on a sofa, playing video games using Xbox controllers

Gaming while using a VPN—the pros and cons

By Olivia Powell published 8 April 24

Discover if using a VPN while gaming is right for you with our guide to its pros and cons

The AT&T data leak highlights the importance of protecting your data

By Olivia Powell published 4 April 24

The data, which includes full names, email addresses, phone numbers and Social Security numbers, has been posted to the dark web

Are free VPNs safe and can they be trusted?

By Olivia Powell last updated 26 March 24

A number of companies have begun to offer free VPN services but some are less trustworthy than others.

The exterior of The British Library, a sandstone building with "The British Library" carved above its entrance, with a metal gate moulded to say "British Library" repeatedly beneath it. Some people, blurred due to long exposure, walk in front of the library

The British Library suffered a cyber attack last year—here’s why it was so impactful

By Olivia Powell published 21 March 24

Exploring the lessons we can learn from the large-scale ransomware attack launched at the British Library

Data servers with colourful wires inside a meshed metal cupboard

Organizations keep making data protection mistakes—what this means for you

By Olivia Powell last updated 19 February 24

Data protection Misconfigured cloud storage servers and software have been responsible for numerous large-scale data breaches.

3 ways a VPN can help you get the most out of your iPhone

By Olivia Powell published 15 February 24

Best iPhone VPN A VPN on your iPhone will not only keep you anonymous on the internet but also block geo-restricted content and pesky ads, and help you bypass internet censorship.

Why every family should have a VPN

By Olivia Powell published 9 February 24

Protecting your loved ones VPNs allow you and your family members to browse anonymously, keep their data private, access geo-blocked content, and save money on online shopping.

Why you shouldn’t use an unsecured Wi-Fi network

By Olivia Powell published 8 February 24

Cybersecurity Using public Wi-Fi can lead to hackers stealing your data, infecting your device with malware and more - here's how to stop them

A laptop viewed from the side with a person typing on it. Their hands are lit up by the laptop's backlight

The biggest password mistakes to avoid making

By Olivia Powell published 7 February 24

Cybersecurity The most common password mistakes, the consequences of making them, and how to avoid them in the future

An iPad with a green background, open but locked with the 'input pin' page open

Why you should always change your logins after a data breach

By Olivia Powell published 2 February 24

Cyber security A guide to credential stuffing attacks, their risks and how to avoid them

Person faces cybersecurity threats to their new laptop with icons representing online banking, passwords, cloud storage, etc.

The best software to protect your new computer

By Olivia Powell published 26 January 24

Cyber security Dodge hackers and data harvesters by decking your new computer out with the best VPN, best antivirus, and best password manager.

A person holding an iPhone close to the camera with the Google search homepage displayed onscreen

That Google Ad you click could be dangerous—here’s why

By Olivia Powell published 18 January 24

Cybersecurity Why hackers use Google Ads to spread malware and how you can avoid it

A man using a tablet with a laptop and a smartphone placed on the desk as well

The top 3 ways to protect your new devices online

By Olivia Powell published 14 January 24

Updated TechRadar's experts have compiled a list of the top 3 VPNs, antivirus software, and password managers for securing your new device from cyber-attacks and other online threats