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

FastestVPN review

By Sam Dawson last updated 21 October 24

Updated A much-improved VPN with affordable pricing, but it still has a way to go to compete with the greats

Eight figures using mobile phones surrounding a giant mobile phone, displaying a red flag on-screen

4 red flags to watch out for in VPN privacy policies

By Sam Dawson published 17 October 24

VPN privacy policies aren't all made equal – which is why it's important to vet them before subscribing to a service. Here are the red flags to be aware of.

NymVPN running on a laptop, tablet, and mobile device

NymVPN review

By Sam Dawson published 3 October 24

A bold take on decentralized VPNs, NymVPN promises crypto-driven privacy but delivers an underwhelming beta.

A hacker's hand in a black leather glove holding an access key and emerging through a laptop screen

What are zero-day vulnerabilities?

By Sam Dawson published 29 September 24

What happens when hackers find vulnerabilities before developers? Here's everything you need to know about these digital races against time.

Large blue eyeball watching businesswoman working at computer

Does covering your webcam work?

By Sam Dawson published 14 September 24

Worried about hackers? Want to give your privacy a boost? Covering your webcam could offer you some peace of mind. Here's what you need to know.

Text speech bubble with a masked hacker stepping through

What is a brute force attack?

By Sam Dawson published 13 September 24

Brute force attacks don't involve a lot of finesse, but they're still effective. Here's everything you need to know about how and why they happen.

SweatVPN review

By Sam Dawson published 12 September 24

In our SweatVPN review, we've put the VPN under the microscope to see if it really can give your gaming sessions a boost.

DDoS inscribed on a digital background made up of numbers

What is a DDoS attack?

By Sam Dawson published 29 August 24

Wondering how DDoS attacks happen and who's behind them? Here's everything you need to know.

An illustration of a hand holding a set of keys in front of a laptop, accompanied by a padlock symbol, fingerprint, and key.

Why do VPN providers keep making their own protocols?

By Sam Dawson published 21 August 24

OpenVPN and WireGuard are tried-and-tested VPN protocols – but some VPNs still decide to build their own. Here's what you need to know.

MullvadVPN running on a laptop on a desk next to a collection of leafy plants

What's behind Mullvad's reputation?

By Sam Dawson published 20 August 24

Mullvad VPN is a veteran of the VPN scene and a privacy champion – but what's the secret behind its staying power? Here's what you need to know.

How to unblock Signal with a VPN

By Sam Dawson published 16 August 24

Signal is facing fresh bans in Russia and Venezuela – so, with that in mind, is it possible to unblock the app? Here's what you need to know.

A collection of hand drawn doodles depicting eyes, silhouettes, and online privacy

What is a dedicated IP address for a VPN and do you need one

By Sam Dawson last updated 14 August 24

VPN Lots of VPNs offer dedicated IP addresses – but why do you need one? Here's what you need to know.

Best VPNs for Snapdragon laptops - which VPNs work with Windows ARM?

By Sam Dawson, Rob Dunne published 13 August 24

Snapdragon chips are becoming increasingly popular, so we looked into what's available to keep your online traffic secure

Howdy VPN running on a laptop, on a desk in a brightly lit office

Howdy VPN review 2025

By Sam Dawson published 26 July 24

Wondering if Howdy VPN is the real deal? We answer this (and more questions) in our Howdy VPN review 2025.

A rabbit running through a virtual tunnel made of pink binary code

Which VPN protocols aren't safe anymore?

By Sam Dawson published 26 July 24

Laptop with warning symbols over the keyboard

Is ThunderVPN the sketchiest VPN of 2024?

By Sam Dawson published 20 July 24

Despite a huge audience on mobile, this VPN seems to be among the least trustworthy we've seen in recent years.

Cartoon hand holding a mobile device running a VPN, in front of a world map

Commercial vs Self-Hosted VPNs

By Sam Dawson published 16 July 24

Commercial VPNs and self-hosted VPNs have a lot in common – and major differences. Here's everything you need to know about each VPN type.

AngelVPN running on a variety of devices

AngelVPN review - expert analysis in 2025

By Sam Dawson published 12 July 24

Our experts put AngelVPN through its paces to see how its security, speeds, and unblocking power compare to today's top providers.

Digital lock on a futuristic neon wavy pixelated background

A new type of DNS leak – ExpressVPN's research raises concern for VPNs

By Sam Dawson published 12 July 24

Want to check if your VPN is futureproofed against DNS leaks? Here's what you need to know.

A glowing warning sign displayed on a background of blue binary code

This new hacking method is mind-blowing – Akami DNS data exfiltration

By Sam Dawson published 12 July 24

Data exfiltration is a tricky task for even the most seasoned hackers – but here's how Akami DNS is changing the game.

Microsoft Corporate Vice President Pavan Davuluri speaks about Recall

Is Windows Recall bad for businesses?

By Sam Dawson published 11 July 24

Window's new AI-powered feature has prompted widespread outcry – but what's the real cost for businesses? Here's what you need to know.

Neon letters spelling RANSOMWARE set against a dark background with red and blue circuitry

What is ransomware?

By Sam Dawson published 11 July 24

Ransomware attacks can devastate your finances and digital privacy – but here's how you can protect yourself.

Illustration of a VPN running on a mobile phone

Top five myths and misconceptions about using a VPN

By Sam Dawson published 11 July 24

There's a lot of misinformation about VPNs out there – so let's clear it up. Here's the truth behind today's top VPN myths.

Hand drawn doodles and textures depicting mass surveillance and thin line between privacy and security

Why aren't more VPNs rotating IP addresses?

By Sam Dawson published 10 July 24

Rotating IP addresses can boost your online anonymity and prevent tracking – here's everything you need to know.

Proton VPN versus ExpressVPN on a blue background

ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN – which is better?

By Sam Dawson published 4 July 24

Two of the biggest names in the VPN industry go head-to-head as we compare them both side-by-side.

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