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

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 2025

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 2025

By Sam Dawson published

darkweb

What is the dark web?

By Sam Dawson last updated

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

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

AdBlock VPN during TechRadar testing

AdBlock VPN review

By Sam Dawson last updated

Updated Does this VPN live up to its ad-blocking reputation? We take a look in our AdBlock VPN review 2025.

5 tips from a hacker written next to the photo of a hacker

5 tips from a hacker to keep you safe online

By Sam Dawson published

Tips from the experts Get security advice from a real pen-tester, and see what steps I take to protect myself from other hackers. Boost your online safety with these 5 tips.

Flow VPN

Flow VPN review

By Sam Dawson last updated

Updated An insecure VPN plus a gimmicky AI chatbot adds up to a package that should be avoided at all costs

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