Articles by Sam Dawson, VPN and cybersecurity expert

Sam Dawson is a cybersecurity expert who has over four years of experience reviewing security-related software products. He focuses his writing on VPNs and security, previously writing for ProPrivacy before freelancing for Future PLC's brands, including TechRadar. Between running a penetration testing company and finishing a PhD focusing on speculative execution attacks at the University of Kent, he still somehow finds the time to keep an eye on how technology is impacting current affairs.

Articles by: Sam Dawson

Illustration of the dark web showing a silhouette on a background of binary coding.

The best dark web VPN in 2025

By Sam Dawson last updated 4 September 25

Onions in the dark If you're going to use a VPN with Tor, make sure you're doing it right. We've compared the best VPNs for the dark web on the market.

Private Internet Access VPN apps running on Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and other platforms.

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN review - a standout choice for niche audiences

By Rob Dunne last updated 26 August 25

Updated For this Private Internet Access review, I spent hours putting the security-oriented VPN (and its features) to the test.

ExpressVPN apps running on a laptop and mobile during TechRadar's testing

ExpressVPN review – an unrivaled, but costly, security suite

By Sam Dawson last updated 26 August 25

Updated In our complete ExpressVPN review, we get under the hood of one of the biggest names in VPN to see if it really lives up to the hype.

The best Prime Video VPN 2025

By Sam Dawson last updated 26 August 25

VPN Looking for the very best VPN for Amazon Prime Video? Check out our top 5 picks.

Norton VPN review: serious upgrades but not without its limits

By Sam Dawson, Rob Dunne last updated 20 August 25

Norton VPN has undergone a serious revamp, and you'd be good to take note as it's looking like it may be a VPN to watch in the near future.

Father helping teen boys with homework at kitchen table

Stop homework headaches: Get the tool that boosts your kid's focus

By Sam Dawson published 16 August 25

The internet is full of distractions for kids with homework. So, with a new school year about to begin, check out how a VPN can help keep them focused.

Student using a laptop while moving into new apartment

New laptop? Don't forget this $2 privacy essential for students

By Sam Dawson published 15 August 25

If you've treated yourself to a new laptop to kick off the academic year, you'll want to protect against privacy risks. Here's how a VPN can help.

A person holding a cellphone asking the user to confirm their age

What happens to your data when you verify your age – and what are the risks?

By Sam Dawson published 14 August 25

The new Online Safety Act means that age verification is now a fact of life when you’re browsing from the UK. But are your selfie or ID being stored safely?

How to safely verify your age on X – prove your age without risking your personal data

By Sam Dawson published 2 August 25

X's new age verification system promises safety, but it also poses several privacy dilemmas for users

Proton VPN iOS homescreen being shown in a living room setting

Proton VPN review: an impressive, if unspectacular, security package

By Rob Dunne last updated 28 July 25

Updated Proton VPN is stuffed with high-tech privacy features and much more besides.

Man holding Chromebook at is side with smart watch visible on wrist

The best Google Chromebook VPN 2025

By Sam Dawson last updated 24 July 25

Updated Want to secure your Chromebook and unblock international content? Here are my favorite Google Chromebook VPNs right now.

Best router VPNs of 2025

By Sam Dawson last updated 21 July 25

Updated Whether you're working with a preconfigured VPN router or want to set up hardware yourself, my top router VPN picks have you covered.

Best VPN for ITVX in 2025

By Sam Dawson last updated 21 July 25

Want to continue watching ITVX while abroad? These VPNs for ITVX make it easy.

Australian flag with Best Australia VPN text

The best Australia VPN 2025

By Sam Dawson last updated 18 July 25

With some of the best VPN providers having servers across the globe, discover who tops our list of the best VPN for Australia

Psiphon review

By Sam Dawson last updated 17 July 25

Updated Free censorship circumvention tool with significant privacy and security limitations

Astrill VPN review

By Sam Dawson last updated 17 July 25

Updated A premium-priced VPN with specialized features, but a dated design and limited device support

Secure VPN providers 2025: safe options for the best security and encryption

By Sam Dawson last updated 7 July 25

Updated I've reviewed and rounded up the industry's most secure VPN services – check out my top picks for outright security.

Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) review

By Sam Dawson last updated 9 May 25

Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 private DNS and WARP VPN are free to use, easy to set up, but they're let down by a lack of core privacy features and poor speeds.

Close-up of holding smartphone, arms wrapped with pink fiber optics

VPNs need to be ready for the post-quantum world – here's what's being done

By Sam Dawson published 14 April 25

It's World Quantum Day, and VPNs are preparing for the impact quantum encryption will have on our digital privacy. Here's everything you need to know.

Teenager playing on a gaming PC with two monitors

Is using a VPN while gaming cheating? 5 myths you shouldn't believe about gaming with a VPN

By Sam Dawson published 20 March 25

Gaming VPNs take your online play (and digital privacy) to the next level – but there are a few enduring myths that can put folks off. Let's debunk them.

A computer file surrounded by red laser beams

Cover your tracks: the risk of sending unencrypted files

By Sam Dawson published 16 March 25

Sending unencrypted files is, in short, a privacy nightmare waiting to happen. Here's everything you need to know.

PureVPN review

By Sam Dawson last updated 7 March 25

Updated This VPN bristles with smart features, but the software suffers from a range of issues.

How do obfuscated VPN servers help with streaming? Here's everything you need to know

By Sam Dawson published 1 March 25

4 ways to avoid misinformation on social media and retain control of your newsfeed

By Sam Dawson published 25 February 25

Misinformation is increasingly rife online, but this doesn't mean you have to listen.

What's new in Lightway 2.0? Here are the 4 biggest changes I'm excited for

By Sam Dawson published 22 February 25

Lightway in Rust promises to provide a more streamlined, secure, and speedy experience. But there's more to be excited for

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