Chiara Castro

Chiara Castro

News Editor (Tech Software)

Chiara is a multimedia journalist committed to covering stories to help promote the rights and denounce the abuses of the digital side of life – wherever cybersecurity, markets, and politics tangle up. She writes news, interviews, and analysis on data privacy, online censorship, digital rights, cybercrime, and security software, with a special focus on VPNs, for TechRadar and TechRadar Pro. Got a story, tip-off, or something tech-interesting to say? Reach out to chiara.castro@futurenet.com

With a passion for digital storytelling in all its forms, she also loves photography, video making, and podcasting. When she isn't working at her laptop, you can find her reading a book with a glass of wine or beer in her hand. Literature was probably the primary reason for her interest in foreign languages. Italian, English, Spanish, and French (in order) so far. She worked and studied across Italy, the UK, and New Zealand, then obtained a MA in International Journalism from Cardiff University. Originally from Milan, Italy, she has been based in Bristol, UK, since 2018.

Articles by: Chiara Castro

Tuta

Tuta has suffered multiple DDoS attacks in one week – but it claims privacy has not been compromised

By Chiara Castro published

Breaking Some Tuta users are still lamenting issues in using the encrypted email service. Here is what we know so far.

malware

"Unprecedented cyberattack" sparks warning to US citizens to switch to encryption

By Chiara Castro published

Breaking The ongoing attack on US telecom companies from the China-linked Salt Typhoon group may be one of the largest in US history. Here's all you need to know to stay safe.

ipvanish price, free trial and deals

IPVanish doubles up in security and usability

By Chiara Castro published

The VPN provider introduced more than twice as many server locations and a new Double Hop VPN feature. Here's all you need to know.

ExpressVPN dedicated IP option on smartphone –promo image

ExpressVPN launches new one-of-a-kind Dedicated IP service

By Chiara Castro published

The VPN provider promises that the unique IP cannot be traced back to you thanks to an innovative zero-trust approach. Here's all you need to know.

Tor

Russian censorship is getting tougher – and Tor needs your help

By Chiara Castro published

Breaking The Tor Project needs 200 new WebTunnel bridges by the end of the month. Here's all you need to know.

Woman hands and flag of Pakistan on laptop keyboard

Pakistan VPN ban: how to stay safe online and bypass restrictions

By Chiara Castro last updated

Authorities have just withdrawn the plan over "lack of legal grounds" to ban VPNs – but usage could still be at risk. Here, some workarounds and alternatives.

VPN logo on a smartphone on a Pakistan's flag background

Pakistan withdraws plans for VPN ban – but usage may still be at risk

By Chiara Castro published

No legal grounds to ban VPNs, said Pakistan's Law Ministry. Yet, VPN usage may still be at risk.

android vpn apps

The best Android VPN apps 2025

By Chiara Castro last updated

VPN Boost your mobile privacy and unblock your tablet's potential with the best Android VPN on the market.

Man cutting ties with Google – getting free from Big Tech surveillance concept.

Stop Google stealing your data with this bulletproof Cyber Monday deal

By Chiara Castro last updated

Proton isn't just offering an amazing Cyber Monday VPN deal – its full-suite is 50% off, too. Here's all you need to know.

The new Amazon Fire TV Stick HD with Alexa Voice Remote.

These Cyber Monday VPN deals are on fire! Your Fire Sticks' binge seriously needs them

By Chiara Castro last updated

Secure your new Fire Stick device for a fraction of the price with these great Cyber Monday VPN deals. Here's all you need to know.

People holding iPhones in a queue

Got a new iPhone for Cyber Monday? You cannot miss these iOS VPN deals

By Chiara Castro last updated

Secure your new phone for a fraction of the price with these great Cyber Monday VPN deals. Here's all you need to know.

Woman shocked by online scam, holding her credit card outside

Not just deals, Cyber Monday scams are also here – these are 4 red flags to watch out for

By Chiara Castro last updated

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to fake shops and phishing scams while you're shopping for the best Cyber Monday deals.

Laptop with a VPN running on the screen, on a desk with shelving in the background

Black Friday vs Cyber Monday: when's the time to get a new VPN?

By Chiara Castro last updated

Black Friday VPN deals are gone, but you still have time to choose your top pick thanks to great Cyber Monday offers – so, hurry up!

VPN App

This is the cheapest Cyber Monday VPN deal you can get today

By Chiara Castro last updated

A lifetime VPN subscription for less than $30? Yes, FastestVPN gets wild on Cyber Monday – and TechRadar readers got the best possible deal.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite CPU

Getting a next-generation PC for Cyber Monday? You can't miss these Snapdragon VPN bargains

By Chiara Castro last updated

While Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge is cheaper than ever right now, VPNs are also a bargain thanks to Cyber Monday deals. So, why risking your privacy?

Käyttäjä yhdistää VPN-palvelimeen

Forget about air fryers – my five favorite Cyber Monday VPN deals are the real bargains

By Chiara Castro last updated

Some of the top VPN providers have axed their pricing for Cyber Monday, too – so, hurry up! Here are the top five VPN offers most worth your money.

Cartoon hand holding a mobile device running a VPN, in front of a world map

Looking for a Cyber Monday VPN deal? Here 4 things you should know to choose the best one

By Chiara Castro last updated

Not all Cyber Monday VPN deals will be right for you – or worth your cash. Here's all you need to consider before subscribing to your next discounted VPN plan.

A computer being guarded by cybersecurity.

I'm a privacy expert, here’s 5 things I'd buy to stay safe over Cyber Monday

By Chiara Castro last updated

Whether that's a VPN, antivirus, or security bundle, grab premium services at their ever smallest prices with time-limited Cyber Monday deals. Here's all you need to know.

Mullvad VPN working on a laptop

Mullvad never joins Black Friday sales – here's why

By Chiara Castro last updated

While the web is packed with Black Friday VPN deals, Mullvad comes with a one-flat monthly rate that stays the same all year around.

Black Friday Shopping Safety

Does a VPN really help your Black Friday shop?

By Chiara Castro published

Here are four ways why a VPN – which is currently a bargain to buy –will make your Black Friday experience smoother and more secure.

Image of a young woman receives notifications on smart phone. Social media and digital online concept. Social media and people network technology concept.

Getting rid of social media anonymity to save democracy? The VPN industry says no

By Chiara Castro last updated

Four VPN providers tell what a democracy without internet anonymity would look like. Here's what could be at stake.

Silhouette of muslim woman in head scarf with Pakistan flag at blue sunset sky

VPN usage keeps soaring in Pakistan as internet remains restricted

By Chiara Castro last updated

The likes of WhatsApp, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram cannot be accessed without a VPN in Pakistan. Yet, VPN usage is also a target.

Android VPN

It's not just free VPNs, these premium services may be bad for your privacy

By Chiara Castro last updated

New research unveils the risks of paid Android VPNs, from data leaks to weaker encryption and dubious data sharing. Here's all you need to know.

VPN world map

Are VPN services legal?

By Jonas P. DeMuro last updated

Which countries ban VPNs and where are they illegal? Here's everything you need to know about VPN legality.

In this photo illustration, the WhatsApp logo is displayed on a smartphone screen.

Pakistan restricts access to WhatsApp amid anti-government protests

By Chiara Castro last updated

After X, Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, also WhatsApp cannot be used in Pakistan without a VPN. Yet, VPN usage is also a target.

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