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

Abstract illustration of a figure sat on a server and using a laptop. A globe is behind them, with multiple cities linked by white lines, and another laptop sits in the foreground.

What are specialist VPN servers?

By Sam Dawson published

VPNs are massively versatile tools – and some offer specialist servers. Here's everything you need to know about when (and why) to use them.

Illustration of a VPN running on a mobile phone

Should your VPN always be on?

By Sam Dawson published

VPNs give your digital privavcy a boost and unblock tons of content – but should you leave yours on 24/7? Here's what you need to know.

Laptop in home office with stylised letters VPN on the screen

The best Windows VPN for PC in 2024

By Sam Dawson last updated

VPN The right VPN can keep your desktop secure and help you hop over geo-restrictions and blocks. Check out my top PC VPN picks.

Blue and red wireframe cameras on a digital grid

GreyNoise uncovers key cyber vulnerabilities – with the help of AI

By Sam Dawson published

GreyNoise uncovers key cyber vulnerabilities – and it's thanks to AI. I spoke with them to learn more.

Proton VPN's server network on a laptop

We just reviewed Proton VPN – here are 5 ways it impressed us

By Sam Dawson published

Proton VPN is a veteran of the VPN industry and a champion of digital privacy. Here's how the service impressed us in our tests.

VPN apps running on various devices during TechRadar's testing

5 findings from our VPN tests that surprised us the most

By Sam Dawson published

We just completed our latest round of VPN testing – and some of the discoveries are pretty surprising. Here's everything you need to know.

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 Andreas Theodorou last updated

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

4 reasons why ExpressVPN is still the most secure VPN

By Sam Dawson published

ExpressVPN is an unrivaled champion of digital privacy – and easy enough for beginners to use. Here's what you need to know.

Green glowing hands typing on keyboard

Why is keystroke logging so dangerous?

By Sam Dawson published

Keystroke logging is a silent (but serious) cyberthreat – here's everything you need to know about how it works and how you can prevent it.

FastestVPN running on different devices

FastestVPN review

By Sam Dawson last updated

Updated A much-improved VPN with affordable pricing, but it still has a way to go to compete with the greats

Eight figures using mobile phones surrounding a giant mobile phone, displaying a red flag on-screen

4 red flags to watch out for in VPN privacy policies

By Sam Dawson published

VPN privacy policies aren't all made equal – which is why it's important to vet them before subscribing to a service. Here are the red flags to be aware of.

Proton VPN iOS homescreen being shown in a living room setting

Proton VPN review: an impressive, if unspectacular, security package

By Andreas Theodorou last updated

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

NymVPN running on a laptop, tablet, and mobile device

NymVPN review

By Sam Dawson published

A bold take on decentralized VPNs, NymVPN promises crypto-driven privacy but delivers an underwhelming beta.

NordVPN apps running on various devices during TechRadar's testing

NordVPN review: still the pinnacle of VPNs in 2024

By Andreas Theodorou last updated

Updated Is this really the "world’s most advanced VPN?" We answer this question and many more in our NordVPN review 2024.

A hacker's hand in a black leather glove holding an access key and emerging through a laptop screen

What are zero-day vulnerabilities?

By Sam Dawson published

What happens when hackers find vulnerabilities before developers? Here's everything you need to know about these digital races against time.

Surfshark VPN apps running on a laptop and mobile during TechRadar's testing

Surfshark VPN review - a high speed, high value security solution

By Andreas Theodorou last updated

Updated Surfshark is a VPN provider that offers a lot for your money, with some temptingly priced plans.

ExpressVPN apps running on a laptop and mobile during TechRadar's testing

ExpressVPN review – an unrivaled, but costly, security suite

By Andreas Theodorou last updated

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.

Large blue eyeball watching businesswoman working at computer

Does covering your webcam work?

By Sam Dawson published

Worried about hackers? Want to give your privacy a boost? Covering your webcam could offer you some peace of mind. Here's what you need to know.

Text speech bubble with a masked hacker stepping through

What is a brute force attack?

By Sam Dawson published

Brute force attacks don't involve a lot of finesse, but they're still effective. Here's everything you need to know about how and why they happen.

SweatVPN running on a laptop

SweatVPN review

By Sam Dawson published

In our SweatVPN review, we've put the VPN under the microscope to see if it really can give your gaming sessions a boost.

DDoS inscribed on a digital background made up of numbers

What is a DDoS attack?

By Sam Dawson published

Wondering how DDoS attacks happen and who's behind them? Here's everything you need to know.

An illustration of a hand holding a set of keys in front of a laptop, accompanied by a padlock symbol, fingerprint, and key.

Why do VPN providers keep making their own protocols?

By Sam Dawson published

OpenVPN and WireGuard are tried-and-tested VPN protocols – but some VPNs still decide to build their own. Here's what you need to know.

MullvadVPN running on a laptop on a desk next to a collection of leafy plants

What's behind Mullvad's reputation?

By Sam Dawson published

Mullvad VPN is a veteran of the VPN scene and a privacy champion – but what's the secret behind its staying power? Here's what you need to know.

A woman holding a mobile phone in front of the Signal logo displayed on a computer screen

How to unblock Signal with a VPN

By Sam Dawson published

Signal is facing fresh bans in Russia and Venezuela – so, with that in mind, is it possible to unblock the app? Here's what you need to know.

A collection of hand drawn doodles depicting eyes, silhouettes, and online privacy

What is a dedicated IP address for a VPN and do you need one

By Sam Dawson last updated

VPN Lots of VPNs offer dedicated IP addresses – but why do you need one? Here's what you need to know.

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