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

The most secure VPN providers: safe options for the best security and encryption, tested by in-house experts

By Sam Dawson last updated 10 February 26

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: stream with ease using these expert VPN picks

By Sam Dawson last updated 6 February 26

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

A Seattle Seahawks helmet and New England Patriots helmet displayed in inside of the Levi's Stadium prior to Super Bowl LX

These are the VPNs you’ll want to consider for Super Bowl weekend

By Sam Dawson published 6 February 26

We've tested and ranked today's top VPNs to help you find the best option for the upcoming Super Bowl LX.

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 28 January 26

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

5 ways VPNs have surprised us this year

By Sam Dawson published 24 December 25

Looking back at a year of innovation

Australian flag with Best Australia VPN text

The best Australia VPN

By Sam Dawson last updated 8 December 25

Most good VPN providers have servers across the globe, but these are the best to choose if you're in Australia.

The best Smart TV VPNs: keep your binge-watch secure with these expert-tested VPN picks for your TV

By Sam Dawson last updated 4 November 25

Geo-restrictions got you down? Use the best smart TV VPN to stream shows, movies, sports and more.

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

The best VPN for Google Chromebooks

By Sam Dawson last updated 27 October 25

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

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.

The best Prime Video VPN

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

Best router VPNs

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.

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

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.

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