Benedict Collins

Benedict Collins

Senior Writer, Security

Benedict has been with TechRadar Pro for over two years, and has specialized in writing about cybersecurity, threat intelligence, and B2B security solutions. His coverage explores the critical areas of national security, including state-sponsored threat actors, APT groups, critical infrastructure, and social engineering.

Benedict holds an MA (Distinction) in Security, Intelligence, and Diplomacy from the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham, providing him with a strong academic foundation for his reporting on geopolitics, threat intelligence, and cyber-warfare.

Prior to his postgraduate studies, Benedict earned a BA in Politics with Journalism, providing him with the skills to translate complex political and security issues into clear and comprehensible copy.

Outside of his work, Benedict is a fitness enthusiast, running and cycling in the local countryside.

Articles by: Benedict Collins

Phishing, E-Mail, Network Security, Computer Hacker, Cloud Computing Cyber Security 3d Illustration

‘An all-time high’: Number of ransomware groups exploded in 2025 as victim growth rate doubled - with Qilin dominating the landscape

By Benedict Collins published

Ransomware groups reached a record high in 2025, and claimed a record number of victims in the process.

World Password Day 2025

Some top password managers can be hacked and hijacked to change your passwords - here's what we know

By Benedict Collins published

Researchers uncovered vulnerabilities in cloud-based password managers spanning recovery, encryption, sharing, and backwards compatibility.

Claude by Anthropic

Pentagon may sever Anthropic relationship over AI safeguards - Claude maker expresses concerns over 'hard limits around fully autonomous weapons and mass domestic surveillance'

By Benedict Collins published

The Pentagon is threating to cut a $200 million contract with Anthropic over a rift in how the Claude AI model should be used.

Two robotic faces in green and red indicating a good bot and a bad bot representing the positive and negative impacts of AI and chatbots.

AI malware, Gemini lures and more: Google reveals how hackers are actually using AI

By Benedict Collins published

Google's Threat Intelligence Group finds attackers are getting up to some seriously interesting stuff using AI.

A 3d illustration of a server room with node base programming. Data design element. Concept of big data storage and cloud computing technology.

Best Firewall Software of 2026: Top Firewalls Reviewed, Rated, and Ranked

By Benedict Collins last updated

Updated We've tested all the best firewall software, to help defend your computer or IT systems against unauthorized intrusions.

LastPass

‘It's easier to tell them what hasn't changed in the last three to four years than what has’: LastPass CEO Karim Toubba on why it deserves your trust back after 2022 breach

By Benedict Collins published

LastPass has come a long way since the breach of 2022 - but has the company done enough to learn from its lessons?

Mobile Proxies

Best Free Proxies of 2026: All the Biggest Providers Tested and Ranked by the Experts

By Benedict Collins last updated

We list the best free proxies, to make it simple and easy to select a proxy server that is free to use while also providing you with more safety online.

The ExpressKeys password manager app from ExpressVPN displayed on a phone screen.

ExpressVPN unveils new standalone password manager – ExpressKeys is now available for iOS and Android

By Benedict Collins published

ExpressVPN has introduced a dedicated password manager app, ExpressKeys.

Hacker with malware code in computer screen. Cybersecurity, privacy or cyber attack. Programmer or fraud criminal writing virus software. Online firewall and privacy crime. Web data engineer

Best Malware Removal in 2026: Expert Reviews and Recommendations

By Benedict Collins last updated

Updated We've tested all the best malware removal software to help you remove viruses, trojans, and ransomware, as well as protect your computer from further infections.

A header image depicting the best Mac antivirus brands of 2025

Best Mac Antivirus of 2026: Expert Reviews and Top Recommendations

By Benedict Collins last updated

macOS We've tested and reviewed all the best Mac antivirus, so you can protect your Apple device from harmful malware and viruses.

Header image depicting the best android antivirus providers

Best Android Antivirus apps for 2026: Secure Your Data with Expert Recommendations

By Benedict Collins last updated

Updated Android malware and scams aren't going anywhere - make sure your devices are safe with these great antivirus apps.

Malwarebytes scam checker is now available directly in ChatGPT.

Malwarebytes and ChatGPT team up to check all of those suspicious texts, emails, and URLs with one simple phrase

By Benedict Collins published

Malwarebytes and ChatGPT are teaming up to provide quick, easy, and free scam checking with just one simple phrase

Ad Blocker on Laptop

Best Ad Blockers of 2026: Protect Your Privacy from Invasive Ads

By Benedict Collins last updated

Updated We feature the best ad blockers, to help you block not just intrusive advertising, but also block rogue ads and website malware.

Palantir Company Brand Logo on Screen with Vibrant Website Background

Palantir to continue UK Ministry of Defense work in new three-year deal – £240 million 'data analytics' contract awarded without procurement

By Benedict Collins published

UK MoD awards Palantir new three-year contract worth £240 million to continue supporting data analytics capabilities.

Best free antivirus header depicting Avast, Bitdefender, and Avira as the top three best antivirus software.

The Best Free Antivirus in 2026: Expert Insights, Reviews, and Rankings

By Benedict Collins last updated

Updated Here's our expert insight into everything you need to know about the best free antivirus software.

Futuristic biometric authentication technology concept. Man is touching a fingerprint scan with icons of secured access, data protection, network cyber security in digital interface.

Best Authenticator App for 2026: Features and Security Reviewed and Compared

By Benedict Collins last updated

Updated We've tested the best authenticator apps, and ranked them here to help you protect your online identity using two-factor and multi-factor authentication.

Back View of Young Black Man Walking and Looking at Big Digital Screens Glitching While Displaying Code Lines. Professional Hacker Breaking Through Cybersecurity Protection System, Changing Code

Huge data leak of 149 million credentials exposed without any protection – 98GB of unique usernames and passwords from financial services, social media accounts and dating apps

By Benedict Collins published

98GB cloud storage container left exposed online and remained exposed for almost a month after discovery.

Phishing, E-Mail, Network Security, Computer Hacker, Cloud Computing Cyber Security 3d Illustration

Crowdstrike and Nord Security partnership nests Falcon Go and Falcon Enterprise directly through NordLayer – combined enterprise-grade protection with VPN and ZTNA for SMBs

By Benedict Collins published

CrowdStrike and Nord Security partner to bring enterprise-grade security to small and medium businesses.

Bitwarden password manager user interface on tablet, mobile, and computer.

Bitwarden supercharges credential protection for Premium and Family plans – new update adds vault health alerts, password strength coaching, 5GB secure storage, and phishing protections

By Benedict Collins published

Bitwarden is upgrading protection across Individual and Family plans, but the price is going up too.

A man with glasses is thoughtfully working on his laptop, surrounded by symbols of online security and password management.

1Password boosts built-in phishing protections – simple URL detection tool could save users millions of dollars and prevent hackers stealing banking details

By Benedict Collins published

1Password has announced a new phishing protection tool that will help users avoid typo-squatting URLs.

Futuristic void glows, a 3D gateway to sci-fi realms, immersive digital art.

Hackers have finally made sophisticated AI generated malware – this AI virus was functional in a matter of days and mimicked the work of a three dev teams working 50 hours a week

By Benedict Collins published

VoidLink malware was created by a single developer using an AI agent to do the work of three development teams.

Google Chrome browser mobile icon app on a screen smartphone iPhone closeup. Google Chrome is a browser developed by Google.

You can now turn off the Google Chrome AI model behind the scam detection tool – Google confirms AI model was hosted on your device

By Benedict Collins published

You can now reduce some of the Chrome burden on your device by disabling the AI model behind the enhanced protection mode of Chrome's scam detection tool.

Phone lock code. Smartphone protection with 2fa (two factor authentication). Smartphone protection and security with pin number. Encrypted data. Personal online privacy. Cyber hacker threat.

Best Free Password Manager of 2026: Expert Reviews for Hassle Free Security

By Benedict Collins last updated

Updated There's no need to pay for a subscription - We've tested and reviewed all the best free password managers in 2026 and ranked them here for your convenience.

Close up happy parents with daughter and son using laptop sitting on couch at home. Smiling mother, father and cute children looking at laptop screen using video call. Family having fun with computer.

The Best Free Parental Control Apps in 2026: Expert Recommendations for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android

By Benedict Collins last updated

Updated We've tested and reviewed all the best free parental control apps to help you protect your family online and keep your children safe from inappropriate content in 2026.

1Password's Unified Access dashboard with frequently accessed applications displayed on the home page.

1Password launches Unified Access as a one-stop shop for managing company credentials – say goodbye to shadow IT and SaaS sprawl

By Benedict Collins published

Forget about shadow IT and SaaS sprawl - 1Password's Unified Access capabilities can discover credentials for you and creates a secure, compliant platform to manage your applications.

Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions: