Ryan L. Clancy
Ryan L. Clancy is a writer at All About Cookies who brings a working engineer's perspective to consumer technology and digital security — explaining how products actually function under the hood rather than relying solely on feature lists and vendor claims.
At All About Cookies, Ryan has written more than 220 articles across VPN, streaming, parental controls, and antivirus verticals, personally testing more than 20 products on Mac and iPhone, with a focus on VPNs and parental control software.
Ryan holds a Master of Engineering (M.Eng) from the University of Limerick, where he also earned his undergraduate engineering degree, and spent more than five years as a practicing mechanical engineer and engineering manager on commercial and residential projects in New York City. That technical foundation gives him a unique vantage point on the infrastructure behind the products he covers: VPN encryption protocols, streaming platform architecture, parental monitoring app behavior, and the network-level mechanics most consumer security writers treat as a black box.
He founded Mechanical Engineering HQ, a technical content agency that produces engineering and technology content for global clients, and has written about technology and digital security for publications including Forbes, Engineering360, and MakeUseOf. He is based in New York City.
- Forbes
- Engineering360
- MakeUseOf
- VPNs
- Streaming
- Parental Controls
- Ad Blockers
- Antivirus
- Master of Engineering (M.Eng) from the University of Limerick
- Mac or PC: Mac
- Android or iOS: iPhone
Ryan L.'s Latest Articles
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How To Prevent UPS Text Scams: An Expert Guide
Learn how to identify UPS text scams to secure your private information and prevent identity theft.
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TotalAV vs. Microsoft Defender 2026: Comprehensive Security or Seamless Integration?
Find out if TotalAV's extensive features or Microsoft Defender's robust Windows integration best suits your needs.
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How To Set Up Your Own VPN Server: A Step-By-Step Guide
Explore the comprehensive process of creating a personal VPN server, offering you complete control and enhanced security for your internet activities.
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AdLock vs. uBlock Origin 2026: Mobile vs. Desktop Solution
Explore how AdLock offers comprehensive protection across devices while uBlock Origin provides a customizable, free solution for desktop users.
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Total Adblock vs. NordVPN Threat Protection 2026: Security or Simplicity?
Explore the differences between Total Adblock and NordVPN Threat Protection to determine which ad blocker best suits your needs, from straightforward ad blocking to comprehensive security features.
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Total Adblock vs. AdLock 2026: Battle of Two Freemium Ad Blockers
Discover whether Total Adblock or AdLock is better suited your ad and tracker blocking needs.
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Steam Account Hacked? Here’s How To Recover Your Games
Bad actors can gain access to platforms like Steam through data breaches, phishing attacks, and more. Learn how to recognize Steam hacks and recover your account if you do get hacked.
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The Best VPNs for Stake 2026
Whether you prioritize speed, security, or value, our guide reveals the top VPNs for Stake, so you can choose the perfect match for your online betting needs.
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The Best Torrenting Sites of 2026
Learn about the best torrent sites. For a safe and satisfying torrent downloading experience, take a look at our top picks — whether you like popular movies, classic films, binge-worthy TV shows, or premium music.
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Are Torrents Illegal? Not Everywhere. Check Your Country Here
Check whether downloading torrents is illegal in your country.
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Surfshark One Review 2026: Essential Security Stack or Overkill?
Discover why Surfshark One, which offers seamless protection for your online activities, might be the comprehensive digital security suite you've been seeking.
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What Is Open Source? Understanding the Future of Software
Open source software is typically free to use, but "free" refers to the freedom to use, modify, and share the software, not just the price. Let's explore open source software, where collaboration and innovation meet to shape the technology of tomorrow.
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Executive Phishing Unveiled: Protecting the C-Suite from Targeted Cyber Threats
Explore the intricate world of executive phishing, AKA whaling, including its tactics, consequences, and essential strategies to safeguard top-level executives from sophisticated CEO fraud.
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Is Torrenting Illegal in the US? Navigating the Complexities of File Sharing
Explore the fine line between legal and illegal torrenting practices in the U.S., and learn how to protect yourself with safe torrenting tips and the best VPNs for torrenting.
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The Best Free VPNs for Mac 2026
Discover the best free VPNs for Macs, with Proton VPN offering unlimited data and Windscribe for accessing streaming content.
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PlayStation Account Hacked? Here’s How to Secure Your Gaming Experience
Here’s our step-by-step expert guide to identifying, preventing, and recovering from PlayStation account hacks, ensuring your gaming stays safe and enjoyable.
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The Best VPNs for Vietnam 2026
Discover the ideal VPN for your needs in Vietnam: NordVPN for top-tier security, Surfshark for unlimited device connections, and ExpressVPN for the fastest streaming experience.
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FastestVPN Review 2026: Does It Live Up to Its Name?
FastestVPN combines robust security with effective streaming capabilities, making it a strong choice for privacy-conscious users and global content enthusiasts.
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Unlock March Madness 2026: How To Watch the NCAA Tournament from Anywhere with a VPN
Discover how to use a VPN for seamless access to the 2026 NCAA Tournament, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action, no matter where you live.
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The Best VPNs for Sweden 2026
Discover the top VPNs for Sweden: NordVPN for unparalleled security, Surfshark for budget-friendly security solutions, and ExpressVPN for lightning-fast streaming.
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The Best VPNs for Israel 2026
Discover the best VPN for use in Israel for every need, from enhancing security to seamless streaming.