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

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

A collection of devices that can be used with NordVPN

What is NordLynx?

By Sam Dawson last updated 8 July 25

NordVPN have improved the open open source Wireguard protocol and relased a more secure just-as-fast protocol named NordLynx

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 7 July 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 7 July 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.

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.

Best VPN for ITVX in 2025

By Sam Dawson last updated 16 May 25

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

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.

The best Prime Video VPN 2025

By Sam Dawson last updated 14 April 25

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

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.

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 9 April 25

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

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

Illustration of the shadow of a boss with a magnifying glass monitoring a worker at a desk

Can your workplace tell that you’re using a VPN?

By Sam Dawson published 20 February 25

Want to use a VPN at work? Here's everything you need to know about what your employer will (and won't) be able to see.

Collage of hand with a key and a smartphone

Is it possible to send a truly anonymous message?

By Sam Dawson published 19 February 25

Is there such a thing as a really, truly private message? Here's everything you need to know about anonymous communication.

Photograph of an invisible man in a suit stood in front of a bench

Ever wanted to completely disappear? Here are 5 ways to eradicate your online persona

By Sam Dawson published 31 January 25

Ever wanted to take yourself off the digital grid? It's tough, but doable – here are my top tips to reclaim your online anonymity.

Abstract illustration of a young woman looking at a smartphone, as large eyes peek through from her hair

Want to hit restart on your online presence? Here's 5 tools you need to stay truly private online

By Sam Dawson published 27 January 25

Want to boost your online privacy? You need these tools

Three people with laptops around a table

What is P2P?

By Sam Dawson last updated 24 January 25

P2P can seem overly techy at first glance – but it's a great way to send files in a flash. Here's what you need to know.

Abstract image of robots working in an office environment including creating blueprint of robot arm, making a phone call, and typing on a keyboard

What is a botnet?

By Sam Dawson published 18 January 25

Botnets are a prevailing threat in the cybersecurity world – but what exactly are they, and how do they work? Here's what you need to know.

Illustration of a confused young man sat at a desk and using a computer

5 common VPN problems (and how to fix them)

By Sam Dawson published 17 January 25

Today's top VPNs are typically nice and easy to use – but issues do crop up. Here's my stress-free guide to troubleshooting 5 common VPN problems.

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