Olivia Powell
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Articles by Olivia Powell
Age checks in the UK result in a 77% decrease in visits to adult sites – but does this mean age verification works?
A person typing on a laptop, bathed in blue light. A well-known adult site has said that visits from the UK have decreased by 77%, when compared to July, 2025, following the introduction of age verification laws. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, recorded the stats using traffic data to Pornhub but also reported that visits to sites hosting adult content in general have reduced by a third since July 25 – the day the Online Safety Act (OSA) came into effect.
Online age verification in the USA – a complete timeline
US Capitol building dome with American flag. At the time of writing, 25 states across the US have introduced some kind of age verification law, with even more taking steps to introduce one. These laws have sparked a flurry of concerns from citizens with regard to free speech and data privacy, with many residents of the affected states turning to software like the best VPNs to circumvent checks.
The top 3 cybersecurity risks posed by the Online Safety Act and age verification
Android malware botnet attack. On July 25, 2025, the Online Safety Act went into effect in the UK. This new law means that UK residents will have to verify their age in order to access content deemed inappropriate for minors by the Office of Communications (OFCOM). This has led to a huge spike in UK residents searching for the best VPNs in order to circumvent these restrictions and avoid sharing their personal information.
Elongation of the nascent avian foregut requires coordination of intrinsic and extrinsic cell behaviors
Abstract The foregut tube gives rise to the lungs and upper gastrointestinal tract, enabling vital functions of respiration and digestion. How the foregut tube forms during embryonic development has historically received considerable attention, but over the past few decades this question has primarily been addressed indirectly through studies on morphogenesis of the primitive heart tube, a closely related process. As a result, many aspects of foregut development remain unresolved.
Hackers target SonicWall VPNs to spread ransomware
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Even using the best business VPNs can't keep you safe if you're not making sure they're updated regularly. A vulnerability in SonicWall VPNs has been used to breach over 30 different organizations, cybersecurity experts have warned. Hackers from the Akira and Fog ransomware networks have been able to access corporate networks via compromised VPN accounts.
VPN routers are being targeted by botnets – here's how to keep safe
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What is Proton Scribe?
Proton, creator of one of the best VPNs , Proton VPN, has announced that its AI writing assistant Proton Scribe is now available in eight new languages and has been expanded to include consumers as well as businesses. Proton Scribe will also be available to those on the Proton Duo and Proton Family plans.
These House of Representatives members are at the highest risk of being exposed online
Olivia Powell August 17, 2024 at 4:00 AM·3 min read When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images Three-quarters of members of the House of Representatives have had their personal data exposed online, according to research.
These House of Representatives members are at the highest risk of being exposed online
August 17, 2024 at 6:00 AM When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images Three-quarters of members of the House of Representatives have had their personal data exposed online, according to research.
Leading VPN provider publishes transparency report – but what does it mean?
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Did you know a VPN can protect you from spyware? Here's how
Olivia Powell 11 July 2024 at 9:28 am·5-min read If you're at all familiar with the kind of threats lurking online, you will probably have heard of malware, and by extension, spyware. Spyware encompasses a range of different types of malicious software (or malware), all of which operate with the aim of spying on you and stealing your data. In this article we'll be exploring the various types of spyware, how spyware can end up on your device, and how to avoid becoming infected by spyware.
ExpressVPN vs Proton VPN: which is better?
ExpressVPN services ExpressVPN With simple yet powerful apps, great security and amazing unblocking capabilities, it's easy to see why ExpressVPN is our #2 VPN. It does come with a premium price tag, though.
Your data could be leaked in five years - here’s why
The invention of quantum computers poses a global threat to internet security. This is because they have the processing power necessary to break the majority of the encryption algorithms that currently protect most of the world’s data. They achieve this by using quantum physics to perform a lot more efficiently than traditional supercomputers.
Your nursery could get hacked - here's how to prevent it
Whether you're a parent or expecting, the likelihood is you've put some thought into what your little one's nursery (or bedroom) will be like. Modern technology has made strides in making put-down time as streamlined as possible, with smart bulbs that can be put on timers, smart speakers that can read your kids their bedtime stories, and a whole host of baby monitoring software that will put your mind at ease while they sleep.
What is Nord Threat Protection Pro?
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Popular VPN provider protects journalists with emergency free plan
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5 VPN red flags to help you spot a dodgy VPN
11 hours ago Clean your computers of all your data. If you’re selling your Windows computer or passing it on to someone else, you’re going to want to first wipe everything. Or you may want to rid yourself of several years of data bloat and start again with a clean slate. The good news is that wiping and …
Hackers are targeting VPNs to gain access to enterprise systems
Olivia Powell 28 May 2024 at 10:11 am·2-min read Software company Check Point has warned that hackers are targeting its Remote Access VPN devices in order to gain access to enterprise networks. This discovery comes shortly after cyber insurance company At-Bay published research that remote access tools were the intrusion point for 58% of ransomware attacks in 2023.
Self-managed VPNs targeted in 58% of ransomware attacks
If your business uses remote access tools like VPNs, you may want to watch out, as hackers have been targeting these tools with ransomware. Research by cyber insurance provider At-Bay has found that remote access tools were the intrusion point for 58% of ransomware attacks in 2023.
ExpressVPN passes yet another no-logs audit
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ExpressVPN passes yet another no-logs audit
These cookies are set by a range of social media services that we have added to the site to enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They are capable of tracking your browser across other sites and building up a profile of your interests. This may impact the content and messages you see on other websites you visit. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to use or see these sharing tools.
Gen Z and Millenials are more concerned about cyber attacks - 5 tips to keep you safe
Millennials and Gen Z are the generations most concerned about the organizations they work for being the victim of a cyber attack. They're also worried about leaving their organizations vulnerable to cyber attacks, as well as feeling less prepared to deal with said cyber attacks. This research comes from Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), which found that overall 53% of US employees worry their organization will be the target of a cyber attack.
It's been a bad week for public cybersecurity
It has been quite frankly a terrible week for those across the healthcare sector. Multiple different healthcare organizations have suffered ransomware attacks, each with widespread ramifications. This occurs when attackers lock up sensitive data and hold it hostage until the organization pays a ransom. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has reported a 264% increase in ransomware incidents reported to them over the past five years.
The top 5 VPN red flags to avoid
Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are great tools that keep you and your data safe online by encrypting your connection. This is especially useful if you're using public Wi-Fi, as it means all connection requests and network traffic is routed through your VPNs encrypted servers, meaning you are effectively hidden from all others connected to the network.
4 reasons why most free VPNs are scams
Whether you want to browse the web anonymously, stream geo-locked content, or secure your data while using public Wi-Fi, there are many reasons why you might want to use a VPN. If you're in the market for a VPN, you may be tempted by free VPNs that promise all the features of the best VPNs, without the (sometimes) hefty price tags. However, these offers are almost always too good to be true—there's no such thing as a free lunch, and there aren't any truly free VPNs either.
Should you use a VPN while gaming?
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Best free VPN for iPhone
Apple (AAPL) 11 hours ago iOS 17.4.1: Surprise iPhone Update Is Suddenly Here With Urgent Fixes Forbes - David Phelan • 11h The new iPhone update is here and has been highly anticipated (many pundits predicted it would have landed on Tuesday, March 19, for a start, but it has finally made it). It follows the last release, iOS 17.4, which was a huge update, by the way. Here’s everything you need to know.
How to protect your child online in 2024
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How to protect your child online in 2024
These cookies are set by a range of social media services that we have added to the site to enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They are capable of tracking your browser across other sites and building up a profile of your interests. This may impact the content and messages you see on other websites you visit. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to use or see these sharing tools.
How to protect your child online in 2024
These cookies are set by a range of social media services that we have added to the site to enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They are capable of tracking your browser across other sites and building up a profile of your interests. This may impact the content and messages you see on other websites you visit. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to use or see these sharing tools.
How to protect your child online
These cookies are set by a range of social media services that we have added to the site to enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They are capable of tracking your browser across other sites and building up a profile of your interests. This may impact the content and messages you see on other websites you visit. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to use or see these sharing tools.
How to protect your child online
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
The best software to keep your computer safe
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The best software to keep your computer safe
These cookies are set by a range of social media services that we have added to the site to enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They are capable of tracking your browser across other sites and building up a profile of your interests. This may impact the content and messages you see on other websites you visit. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to use or see these sharing tools.
How to protect your new phone
Quick links 1. 2. 3. How we test VPNs 4. VPN FAQs 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Congratulations on getting yourself (or being given!) a top-shelf smartphone this holiday season. However, you need to take immediate measures to protect yourself from those from trying to infiltrate your device and plague it with malware, viruses, and ransomware.
How to protect your child on their new tablet
Like any other device with internet access, a tablet offers numerous benefits for kids. It allows them to access a wealth of information and develop new skills or interests. However, it doesn’t come without risks. Ensuring you have the protection software on your child’s new tablet can go a long way. As with any other unsupervised activity children have, they can develop ad habits or run into obstacles they can’t get through without you.
How to protect your child on their new tablet
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How to protect your child on their new tablet
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
How to protect your new laptop
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
The hidden cyber security risks of smart devices
Did you know there are more smart devices on Earth than people? And that number is on the rise year upon year - especially in the age of remote and hybrid working patterns. Ranjit Atwal, senior research director at Gartner, believes that this is down to the rise in those working from home. “Connectivity is already a pain-point for many users who are working remotely.
How to protect your child on their new Xbox
Xbox protection doesn’t just refer to keeping your device safe from malicious actors but protecting the user as well. Knowing how to shield your child from inappropriate content, extended screen time, or privacy issues is paramount for creating a safe gaming environment. Since Xbox opens a gateway to a vast online community of strangers, adding VPN protection to your child’s console is a crucial step forward to protecting their privacy.
Why you should think twice before scanning QR Codes
You have probably seen QR code before, whether this is your favourite restaurant asking you to ‘scan to read the menu’ or to ‘check in’ to events. QR stands for ‘quick response’ and refers to the square shaped grid that can be scanned via any modern smartphone or digital device camera to launch a website or app. But are you aware that when you use your digital device to scan these codes you’re potentially putting yourself at risk?
How to protect your child on their new laptop
The holiday season is perfect for buying your child a new laptop. However, laptop protection on the inside is just as important as buying a travel case to protect it on the outside. With malware and identity theft on the rise, it’s crucial your child’s laptop is protected from bad actors. Not only can the internet present these cyber threats, but it’s full of content you might not want your child to see.
How to protect your child on their new phone
Shielding your child's phone from potential threats like data breaches and identity theft is paramount, especially after Christmas when many of us buy (or receive!) gadgets. Start with a dependable VPN to encrypt their online activities, fortifying the cloak around their privacy. Enhance protection with antivirus software, actively guarding against malware for a secure digital space. Integrate a password manager for robust security, crafting unique and resilient passwords for every account.
What is Full Life Cycle Recruiting?
One might be surprised to learn how many stages and processes a simple act of filling an open position takes. No, it’s not just about posting a list of requirements on a career website and waiting for resumes to flood in. Full life cycle recruiting involves a great number of complex processes and might take months. In fact, 52% of recruiters from various niches and industries say that their average time-to-hire is 3+ weeks long.
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