Articles by 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

We're VPN experts and these are our favorite Cyber Monday VPN deals of 2025

By Rob Dunne last updated 1 December 25

We've spent 15+ years testing VPNs, but these deals are the ones that excite us the most

These Netflix VPNs are still on sale – don't miss out on big Cyber Monday savings

By River Hart published 1 December 25

Streaming, security, and big savings – the best Netflix VPNs have it all

Man relaxing at home watching TV and eating popcorn

Picked up a smart TV in the Black Friday sales? These are the Black Friday VPN deals to pair it with

By River Hart published 28 November 25

Smart deals for your shiny new smart TV

The biggest Black Friday VPN deal this year? I spent a week testing ExpressVPN – here are 3 of its best features

By River Hart published 27 November 25

If you’ve ever wanted to try ExpressVPN, now’s the time

VPN news live - the latest on cybersecurity, digital rights, and online privacy

By Samuel Woodhams last updated 19 November 25

Real-time updates, exclusive deals and expert analysis from the VPN industry

Illustration of a man paragliding under a green arrow angled upwards

These freemium VPNs are all on sale for Black Friday - here's why you should upgrade now

By River Hart published 13 November 25

Free VPNs are handy in a pinch, but you get more features and fewer restrictions with a paid subscription.

These VPNs all offer unlimited connections and are as little as $2 per month - here's why we love them

By River Hart published 13 November 25

Surfshark and PIA just unveiled their Black Friday discounts and, with unlimited simultaneous connections included, you won’t want to miss out.

Flag of Wisconsin against a sunset background

Age verification laws could land in Wisconsin next – but these VPNs ensure your data remains protected for less

By River Hart last updated 12 November 25

Maintain your online freedom (and privacy) with these discounted VPNs

The best VPNs for Japan: our expert picks for if you're based in or travelling to the country of the rising sun

By Shaun Rockwood last updated 27 October 25

VPN Whether you live in Japan or you're just visiting, a VPN can help you secure your online privacy and avoid internet restrictions.

The most private VPN: the best no log VPNs to stay anonymous online based on expert research

By Rob Dunne last updated 27 October 25

Updated These VPNs put the 'private' into virtual private network. Here's how PIA, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN stack up when it comes to security.

Hide.me Free VPN

By River Hart, Mike Williams last updated 18 September 25

Review Hide.me Free is one of the more generous free VPNs in the market – but how well does it protect your data? We put it to the test to find out.

A person using a mobile device to verify their age via a facial scan

What is age verification? The privacy nightmare facing millions of UK internet users

By River Hart published 1 August 25

Following the rollout of the UK Online Safety Act, Britons are now being asked to confirm their age across the internet. Here’s everything you need to know.

The must-have app for your summer holiday costs less than you think

By River Hart published 5 July 25

NordVPN’s tasty new deal comes with an Amazon gift card – and means you can take your favorite content on vacation for even less.

OysterVPN running on various devices, including a TV, tablet, and a mobile.

OysterVPN review - a potential new kid to watch out for

By Mark Gill last updated 20 June 25

VPN reviews Our team of experts put OysterVPN under the microscope, checking out its security tools, speeds, and unblocking power, and how it compares to the industry's top dogs.

Two gamers playing with new Nintendo Switch 2 consoles

4 reasons why a VPN for the Switch 2 might be a bright idea

By River Hart published 6 June 25

The Switch 2 doesn’t support VPN apps natively, but you’ll still want to invest in one if you’re proactive about your digital privacy.

Surfshark Alternative Number running on an iPhone

How to use Surfshark Alternative Number to stop unwanted spam and scam calls

By River Hart published 20 March 25

Sponsored

Tired of spam calls and messages? Here’s how Surfshark’s Alternative Number tool can put a stop to both.

Photograph of a woman in workout gear sat on a yoga mat whilst using a smartphone to check out a fitness app

Work up a sweat without exposing your personal data – here's how to safely use fitness apps

By River Hart published 30 January 25

Sponsored

Fitness apps help keep our health journeys on track – but they come with serious data privacy risks, too. Here’s what you need to know.

Closeup image of an eye with a heart on a screen reflected within

Bad romance: how to take control of your dating data and avoid a clinch from a cyberstalker

By River Hart published 28 January 25

Sponsored

There’s a lot to like about online dating – but digital stalkers aren’t one of them. Here’s everything you need to know about securing your online love life.

Dozens of chocolate cookie biscuits floating on a light pink background

How to prevent data collection (and kick unwanted cookies to the curb)

By River Hart published 27 January 25

Sponsored

Cookies aren’t dangerous on their own – but they can threaten your privacy if mishandled. Here’s everything you need to know about cleaning them up

An illustration of a laptop screen running a VPN service, accompanied by images of a padlock, globe, and a man using a tablet.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

By Chiara Castro last updated 26 January 25

VPN VPNs supercharge your digital security—but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some VPN benefits that might take you by surprise.

An illustration of a mobile phone running a VPN

How does a VPN work?

By River Hart last updated 24 January 25

VPN VPNs protect your digital privacy, unblock content, and spoof your location—but how? Here's what you need to know.

Tired of festive films? Here's 5 privacy documentaries to twist your mind instead

By River Hart published 28 December 24

It’s been another big year for digital privacy – and what better way to cap it off than with some documentaries? Here’s my round-up of must-see titles.

Large blue eyeball watching businesswoman working at computer

5 cybersecurity habits to take into 2025

By River Hart published 27 December 24

Now’s the time to make your New Year’s cybersecurity resolutions – and simple changes can have a huge impact. Here are my 5 top habits to adopt.

A family all wearing Christmas jumpers and hats take a selfie using a tablet

5 ways a VPN can add some festive spirit this Christmas

By River Hart published 23 December 24

VPNs are all about protecting your privacy – but they know how to have fun, too, Here’s how you can use yours over the holiday.

Traveling abroad for the Christmas holidays? Here’s how a VPN can help

By River Hart published 22 December 24

Whether you’re jetting off to spend the holidays with family or chasing some winter sunshine, you’ll need a VPN to shore up your online security.

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