Articles by Shaun Rockwood, VPN Expert

After graduating from Stirling University with a qualification in Education, Shaun accidentally fell into the technology sector in the late 1990's and has stayed there ever since, working for companies such as PSINet, IBM and ProPrivacy in a variety of roles from Systems Administration to Technical Writer. Being around since the birth of the modern internet, he's seen the way that technology has expanded to become an integral part of everyday life, and how people's understanding and ability to retain any kind of privacy has lagged behind.

Shaun is a strong believer in the rights of the individual to have their personal data protected and their privacy respected – a belief made all the stronger in an age of surveillance from both governmental bodies and private companies all around the world.

He spends his spare time cooking, riding his motorbike and spending far too many hours in Star Trek Online hunting Klingons and Borg.

Articles by: Shaun Rockwood

The best VPN for school Wi-Fi: reliable picks from VPN experts

By Shaun Rockwood Last updated 25 August 26

VPN A VPN can help you access educational content all over the world. We look at some of the best choices.

The best Peacock VPN: access to US favorites such as the NFL, WWE, and more

By Rob Dunne Last updated 2 June 26

VPN Take flight and stream hit entertainment from NBC anywhere with a Peacock VPN. Read our guide for the 5 best providers.

Mullvad VPN homescreen on an Android device laid out on a table

Absolute Anonymity: This VPN allows cash payments and costs the same every month, forever

By Shaun Rockwood Published 26 May 26

Simple, secure connections don't get better

CyberGhost VPN review

By River Hart Last updated 26 February 26

Updated CyberGhost has been in the VPN game for over a decade – but how does it stack up against today's top dogs? Here's what you need to know.

VyprVPN review

By Shaun Rockwood Last updated 26 February 26

Updated VyprVPN is an impressively feature-packed VPN – but there are issues here, including pricing.

Best browsers with built-in VPN

By Shaun Rockwood Last updated 26 February 26

VPN VPNs don't get any simpler than this - the best browsers with built-in VPNs give you quick, hassle-free protection for all your browsing activities.

The best Hulu VPN

By Shaun Rockwood Last updated 6 February 26

VPN Looking for a reliable Hulu VPN to take your streaming to the next level? Here are my top 5 picks.

Collage of a web browser, with a laptop computer with a search bar and cut-out hands pointing at it

Should we all be using VPN browsers?

By Shaun Rockwood Published 1 January 26

A New Year's cyber-resolution worth making?

Woman watching movies at home with a Christmas tree in the background

Watch Christmas films from anywhere with a VPN

By Shaun Rockwood Published 26 December 25

Don't let geo-restrictions get in the way of your movie marathons

The best VPNs for Japan: our expert picks for if you're based in or travelling to the country of the rising sun

By Shaun Rockwood Last updated 27 October 25

VPN Whether you live in Japan or you're just visiting, a VPN can help you secure your online privacy and avoid internet restrictions.

Two phones on a blue background showing the privacy settings in iOS and Android

4 iPhone security features you might not know about

By Shaun Rockwood Published 19 September 25

With the new iPhone 17 about to be released, we look at 4 ways to help protect your iPhone's data that you might not know about.

Hacker with malware code in computer screen. Cybersecurity, privacy or cyber attack. Programmer or fraud criminal writing virus software. Online firewall and privacy crime. Web data engineer

4 regions you didn't know already had age verification laws – and how they're enforced

By Shaun Rockwood Published 7 August 25

How do the age verification requirements of the UK’s Online Safety Act compare to similar laws around the world?

Promo image for Psylo web browser app on Apple App Store

Psylo browser review

By Shaun Rockwood Published 24 July 25

Updated Psylo is a brand new mobile browser for iOS devices, designed to defeat tracking and fingerprinting.

Opera VPN Free Review

By Shaun Rockwood Published 14 April 25

How does Opera VPN stack up against today's big dogs? We found out in our Opera VPN review.

A representational concept of a social media network

What are data removal services?

By Shaun Rockwood Published 12 March 25

Lots of VPNs offer a SOCKS proxy service, but what is it? Here's what you need to know about SOCKS proxies and when you might want to use them.

Assorted streaming apps are seen on an iPhone, including Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Paramount+, Apple TV, Peacock, fuboTV, Philo, DirecTV, tubi, Pluto TV, and Plex

Why are streaming services getting better at detecting VPNs?

By Shaun Rockwood Published 7 March 25

Streaming services are always trying to stop VPN providers from accessing their services, but how do they do it?

What is a SOCKS proxy?

By Shaun Rockwood Published 21 February 25

Lots of VPNs offer a SOCKS proxy service, but what is it? Keep reading, and we'll dig into SOCKS proxies and when you might want to use them.

A repeating pattern of pink magnifying glasses on a light blue background

Why do VPN audits matter?

By Shaun Rockwood Published 18 February 25

The proof is in the pudding. Here's everything you need to know about VPN audits and why they're so important.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: which VPN should you get?

By Shaun Rockwood Last updated 17 January 25

VPN Who wins between the planet's top two VPNs? Discover which we think you should get in our ExpressVPN vs NordVPN head-to-head.

What we learned from VPNs in 2024

By Shaun Rockwood Published 1 January 25

In a year of increasing crackdowns on internet access worldwide, VPNs remain an important tool for keeping people connected and informed.

Maps of Internet shutdowns across the world

Why are internet blackouts so devastating?

By Shaun Rockwood Published 10 October 24

Internet shutdowns and blackouts are often tools for governments to control the flow of information, but what else do they impact?

PrivadoVPN apps running on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

What are the differences between PrivadoVPN's paid and free versions?

By Shaun Rockwood Published 1 October 24

Wondering what the differences are between a VPN provider's free and paid offerings? Let's take a look at PrivadoVPN.

An illustration of wireless devices connected to a router

What is E2EE?

By Shaun Rockwood Published 27 September 24

Wondering about what E2EE is and why it matters? Let's take a closer look at the technology that keeps your online communications secure.

What is a VPN router?

By Shaun Rockwood Published 5 September 24

Wondering how VPN routers differ from the ones in homes around the world? Well, they've got your privacy in mind. Here's what you need to know.

Low angle view of three young people using mobile phones outdoors

Which providers offer unlimited VPN connections?

By Shaun Rockwood Published 4 September 24

Some VPNs have connection limits – but others are more generous. I've rounded up the best providers that offer unlimited simultaneous connections.

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