Sam Dawson

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

Surfshark loaded on laptop on table

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

By Sam Dawson, Rob Dunne published

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 2024

By Sam Dawson published

Wondering if Howdy VPN is the real deal? We answer this (and more questions) in our Howdy VPN review 2024.

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

Which VPN protocols aren't safe anymore?

By Sam Dawson published

Laptop with warning symbols over the keyboard

Is ThunderVPN the sketchiest VPN of 2024?

By Sam Dawson published

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

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 2024

By Sam Dawson published

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best dark web VPN in 2024

By Sam Dawson published

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.

Proton VPN versus ExpressVPN on a blue background

ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN – which is better?

By Sam Dawson published

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

Australian flag with Best Australia VPN text

The best Australia VPN 2024

By Sam Dawson published

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

Surfshark and CyberGhost logos on coloured background

Surfshark vs CyberGhost - which VPN is better in 2024?

By Sam Dawson published

Two privacy titans, but which is superior in 2024?

Digital umbrella protecting against cyberthreats

VPN vs Firewall

By Sam Dawson published

Which is better? VPNs and firewalls both protect your internet connection from digital nasties, but which one is better? Here's everything you need to know.

Woman using a Mac

What is a torrent?

By Sam Dawson last updated

Torrenting is a speedy way to share files online, but how does it work and is it safe? Here's what you need to know.

Man in home office on laptop

What is a static IP?

By Sam Dawson last updated

What is a static IP and why do you need one? Here's everything you need to know about these handy tools.

proxy vs VPN

Proxy vs VPN: What are the differences?

By Sam Dawson last updated

Spot the difference Two web security tools, two different use cases. Here's everything you need to know about how they differ.

Amnezia VPN running on a mobile device

Amnezia VPN review 2024

By Sam Dawson published

darkweb

What is the dark web?

By Olivia Powell last updated

The dark web is frequently in the news, but this article explains what it actually is.

Three people with laptops around a table

What is P2P?

By Olivia Powell last updated

Discover what P2P really is, and how peer-to-peer can do for you.

An explosion in a large body of water

VPNs aren't broken – TunnelVision attack is being sensationalized

By Andreas Theodorou published

Don't panic TunnelVision is far less serious a threat than it's being made out to be. I spoke with VPN experts to find out why you shouldn't worry about it.

A laptop with a red screen with a white skull on it with the message: "RANSOMWARE. All your files are encrypted."

5 steps to take if your business gets hacked

By Sam Dawson published

Help mitigate the impact of a cyber attack with these tips

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