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

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

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.

What we want from CyberGhost in 2025 – how can the provider reach new heights?

By River Hart Published 19 December 24

CyberGhost is a reliable VPN and solid all-rounder – but how could it improve as we move into 2025? Here’s everything you need to know.

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 18 December 24

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 2 December 24

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 2 December 24

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 2 December 24

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 2 December 24

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

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

By River Hart Published 2 December 24

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 2 December 24

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

How to set up a VPN

By River Hart last updated 2 December 24

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, plans and discounts: the best Surfshark deals, handpicked by our experts

By River Hart last updated 2 December 24

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 29 November 24

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 29 November 24

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

Is NordVPN still the best VPN for streaming?

By Stuart Burns Published 15 November 24

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 25 October 24

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.

What are the differences between Proton VPN and Proton VPN Free?

By Stuart Burns Published 16 October 24

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 global domination continues with an even bigger server network

By River Hart Published 12 October 24

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 7 October 24

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.

Don't use these VPNs – 4 apps that aren't all they seem to be

By River Hart last updated 1 October 24

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).

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
View Archive

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

River Hart

Useful links