River Hart

River Hart

Tech Software Editor

River is a Tech Software Editor and VPN expert, helping take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar, ranging from reviews, buying guides, and must-have VPN deals. River's expertise in the cybersecurity field opened their eyes to the startling amount of online snooping we accept into our daily lives. Now, River is committed to fighting for your right to digital privacy by shining a light on its biggest threats – and helping readers safeguard their data with the help of a VPN. Surfshark is River's favorite VPN, and they use it every day to keep their most sensitive details out of the hands of third-party trackers.

After graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University with a First Class degree in Creative Writing, River bounced around the UK on a mission to craft stories. They’ve worked as a B2B magazine editor (working in an eclectic range of fields, including theme parks, VR gaming, and e-commerce), L&D [coordinator], and found their way into the world of cybersecurity in 2019, leading the writing team over at ProPrivacy. River has since been quoted in The Guardian, BBC News, and Forbes.

In their spare time, River enjoys poking around museums in their adopted hometown of Liverpool, hiking across their native North Wales countryside, and spending way too much time plugged into a PS5.

Articles by: River Hart

A woman holds a pretzel and uses a smart phone while on the train
Relying on train Wi-Fi over the holidays? You need a VPN

By River Hart Published

Heading home for the holidays? Off on a festive adventure? Free train Wi-Fi is handy – but comes with risks. Here’s why you need a VPN.

A 3D render of dozens of small locked yellow padlocks arranged around a large open padlock, all on a yellow background
Struggling to remember your passwords? These VPNs offer password management and great savings over Cyber Monday

By River Hart last updated

Remembering strong passwords is a pain – but these VPNs offer password managers that'll do it for you. Here are my top Cyber Monday picks

Illustration of a woman sitting on top of a green mountain, her back to us, with more peaks in front of her
Why do VPN providers avoid Cyber Monday more than other services?

By River Hart last updated

Cyber Monday means deals, even in the VPN industry, but not every provider takes part. I'll explain why – and how you can spot a bargain anyway.

A young boy wearing headphones and relaxing on the couch while using a laptop to browse the web
Your child's new laptop needs a VPN – here's why

By River Hart last updated

The Cyber Monday sales are in full swing – but not for long. Don't miss out on your chance to shore up the security of your child's laptop with a VPN deal.

Two friends playing online games together - one using a mobile phone and one using a controller
Stay connected to your gaming group for less thanks to this Cyber Monday VPN deal

By River Hart last updated

The Black Friday weekend might be over, but the Cyber Monday sales are still kicking. Keep the good times rolling with these VPN deals.

Someone using a VPN on a PC.
Lock down more than just a coffee machine this Cyber Monday – VPN deals offer unmissable savings on your security

By River Hart Published

Don’t take a chance this Cyber Monday – check out the rock-bottom prices of today’s most battled-tested VPNs.

Proton VPN iOS homescreen being shown in a living room setting
Miss Proton VPN's flash Black Friday sale? Don't worry, it's still 70% off for Cyber Monday

By River Hart last updated

The Black Friday weekend is over – but there's still time to bag a massive 70% discount on Proton VPN this Cyber Monday.

VPN on laptop screen
How to set up a VPN

By River Hart last updated

VPN Wondering if there's a quick and easy way to set up a VPN? All it takes is a few clicks and you're good to go. Here's my go-to guide.

surfshark price, free trial and deals
Surfshark price, plans and discounts: the best Surfshark deals, handpicked by our experts

By River Hart last updated

VPN Surfshark prices are a drop in the ocean – but which plans are the best, and what deals are available? I'll reveal all.

Illustration of a Muslim lady using a VPN on her laptop, with a cat curled up at her feet
How to use a VPN

By River Hart last updated

Sponsored

Getting your VPN up and running only takes a minute – and there are plenty of good reasons to invest in one. I'll walk you through the process.

Illustration of a person holding a gaming controller in front of a large screen displaying the word: Start
Checking out Black Friday gaming deals? These are the VPNs you need to secure your lobbies

By River Hart Published

If the Black Friday sales are all about gaming for you, here are the VPN deals that pair up perfectly.

NordVPN
Is NordVPN still the best VPN for streaming?

By Stuart Burns Published

Is NordVPN still our reigning streaming VPN or has another provider challenged the titan for its throne? Here's everything you need to know.

Surfshark app open on an Andoid phone and a Windows ARM laptop
Surfshark is still the fastest VPN around – here's why speed matters

By River Hart Published

We just tested Surfshark and the results are in – it's still the fastest VPN available. Want to know what these blazing speeds mean for you? Keep reading.

Proton VPN Hero Showing Multiple UIs
What are the differences between Proton VPN and Proton VPN Free?

By Stuart Burns Published

Proton VPN is a longstanding favorite of privacy purists – but does its free plan pack the same punch? Here's everything you need to know.

Proton VPN's server network on a laptop
Proton VPN’s global domination continues with an even bigger server network

By River Hart Published

Proton VPN’s spread of servers just keeps growing – and its network is now bigger than NordVPN and ExpressVPN’s. Here’s everything you need to know.

A woman holding a pencil and stood next to a calendar, calculator, and piggy bank wearing glasses
Why are VPNs priced by month and not by total cost?

By River Hart Published

Wondering how VPN pricing works – and why providers display prices the way they do? Here’s everything you need to know about bagging the best VPN deals.

A pair of hands using a keyboard
Don't use these VPNs – 4 apps that aren't all they seem to be

By River Hart last updated

Don't risk it VPNs should boost your digital privacy, not log your personal information. Here are my top 4 VPNs to avoid (and some trustworthy alternatives).

Illustration of a TV in a living room
Our ExpressVPN review is in, and its Apple TV app is still the best

By River Hart Published

If you're looking for a seamless streaming solution for your Apple TV, ExpressVPN has your back. Keep reading to check out the features I like best.

ExpressVPN on a range of devices
ExpressVPN has 18 independent audits under its belt – here’s why they're so important

By River Hart Published

ExpressVPN has undergone 18 independent audits to prove its no-logs promises. Here's everything you need to know about why these audits matter.

iOS 18 running on an iPhone on a gradient background
I'm a privacy expert—here are the 4 iOS 18 features I'm excited about

By River Hart Published

iOS 18 comes jam-packed with handy features and quality-of-life improvements – but there are some major privacy upgrades, too. Here are my favorites.

Illustration of multiple people using various social media apps on mobile phones
Leaving X? Look out for these 5 social media red flags

By River Hart Published

Ditching X for a privacy-friendly social media platform? Finding one is a tricky task – so keep an eye out for these red flags before signing up.

Group of people enjoying an evening out at a music venue
Buying concert tickets? Here are 4 reasons why you need a VPN

By River Hart Published

Whether you're gearing up for the gig of a lifetime or a regular at local concerts, a VPN just makes the ticket-buying process better. Here's how.

A medal held up against a clear blue sky
Got the post-Olympic blues? Check out more sports with a VPN

By River Hart Published

The 2024 Games have come to an end, but that doesn't mean that the Summer of Sport is over. VPNs can unblock tons of coverage – and here's how.

Abstract illustration of a young adult using a laptop on a 5 star rating bar, next to a blue shield and padlock representing a VPN
The difference between no-logs and zero-logs VPNs – and why it matters

By River Hart Published

How can you tell if a no-logs VPN is legit, and what's the difference between a no logs service and a zero logs service? Here’s what you need to know.

Student sat at a desk with a laptop in a dormitory looking at a mobile phone
Off to college? Here's why you need a VPN

By River Hart Published

From unblocking academic resources to winding down with Netflix, here's how a VPN is a must-have for college students.

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