Identity Theft: A Growing Threat
Imagine this: you try to withdraw cash from an ATM, and the transaction is denied. The bank’s app on your phone won’t accept your credentials, and you can’t reset your password because you can’t access your email. Your identity has been stolen, and now the thieves control your email, bank account, and the money within. Whether it stems from a data breach or a weak password, you’re in trouble. In today’s digital landscape, identity theft is a serious concern. If that scenario sounds alarming, adopting an identity theft service might be worth considering.
Because it’s impossible to do real-world testing for identity theft remediation, we’ve focused on services that offer device-level security protection as well. Norton 360 With LifeLock and Bitdefender Ultimate Security both combine top-tier device-level protection with comprehensive identity theft handling. Dive into our top picks, along with a detailed guide to navigate your identity theft protection options.
Top Identity Theft Protection Services
Here’s a quick overview of the top services:
- Norton 360 with LifeLock: Best Overall Identity Protection
- Bitdefender Ultimate Security: Best for Device-Level Protection
- Avast One Platinum: Best for Small Families
- ESET Home Security Ultimate: Best for Inexpensive Family Protection
- IDShield: Best for Large Families
- IDX Complete: Best for Protecting Your Privacy
- McAfee+: Best for Multi-Device Households
Deep Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Norton 360 with LifeLock
Best Overall Identity Protection
Norton 360 with LifeLock is a fantastic choice due to the combination of LifeLock’s identity theft features and Norton’s robust device security. Norton 360 Deluxe offers a fantastic security suite on its own, and subscribers also get access to Norton’s VPN with full-scale licenses, along with 100GB of online storage for backups. Norton provides an extensive array identity protection features, though some features may require an additional price.
Who It’s For: Those who value a recognized and tested brand with a proven track record.
Pros:
- Comprehensive identity theft remediation from LifeLock
- Excellent device-level security
- Full VPN with unlimited bandwidth
- Supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- Million-dollar identity protection guarantee
Cons:
- Security protection is limited on iOS devices.
- No parental control features or backups for macOS.
- Cannot prevent identity theft.
Bitdefender Ultimate Security
Best for Device-Level Protection
This service combines award-winning Bitdefender Total Security with comprehensive identity theft protection; Plus, Bitdefender Ultimate Security uses Bitdefender’s password manager, along with a no-limits version of Bitdefender’s VPN. Independent labs consistently give Bitdefender top marks across Windows, macOS, and Android. Moreover, the service has teamed up with TransUnion to monitor the dark web for your sensitive data and manage credit-related activities (like credit score monitoring and freezes). Users can also connect with a dedicated resolution specialist for support if they become victims identity theft.
Who It’s For: Those who want robust device protection with comprehensive identity theft features.
Pros:
- Exceptional device-level security
- Supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- Thorough identity and credit monitoring
- Dedicated resolution specialists to help with identity theft
- Identity theft insurance
- No-limits VPN
Cons:
- Parental content filter is not fully effective.
- Password manager lacks a couple of more advanced features.
- Cannot prevent identity theft.
Avast One Platinum
Best for Small Families
Avast One Platinum is divided into three distinct parts: The cross-platform suite Avast One protects up to 30 devices. Clients can also access their 24/7 premium tech support service. Concerning identity theft protection, Avast relies on the same partner as Bitdefender Ultimate Security but doesn’t limit protection to the account holder. Subscribers can invite up to five family members, each with a unique dashboard to watch credit scores, personal data exposure, and events that can lead to identity theft.
Who It’s For: Those seeking both comprehensive device and identity protection, especially for families.
Pros:
- Identity theft protection for yourself and five other family members.
- Device-level security for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Excellent antivirus lab scores
- 24/7 support for all tech issues.
- Thorough monitoring of credit and data breaches.
- Dedicated resolution specialists help remediate identity theft.
Cons:
- Some features are limited on certain devices (most notably iOS and Android).
- The security suite features do not have many additions beyond the free version available.
- Cannot prevent identity theft.
ESET Home Security Ultimate
Best for Inexpensive Family Protection
ESET Home Security Ultimate includes a security suite, a password manager, a VPN, and a complete identity protection system. Most competitors charge extra for family protection, while ESET’s subscription covers the subscriber, as well as a partner and any number of children, making it an excellent family-friendly option.
Who It’s For: Users seeking budget-friendly family identity protection.
Pros:
- Excellent family identity protection at an affordable price
- Global VPN coverage
- Good antivirus lab scores.
- Cross-platform password manager
Cons:
- Identity protection lacks advanced tracking.
- Poor score in hands-on malware protection tests
- Annoying firewall pop-ups.
- Password manager lacks secure sharing and inheritance
IDShield
Best for Large Families
IDShield is a great fit for families of all sizes, and its family plan protects spouses, partners and any number of minor children. Spin up a full-blown security suite from scratch would prove difficult. Instead, IDShield utilizes a Trend Micro device-level protection partnership. You also get licenses for Trend Micro’s VPN and password manager.
Who It’s For: This service is perfect for those who want to protect their entire family, including children.
Pros:
- Million-dollar identity recovery guarantee.
- Security suite VPN and password manager from Trend Micro.
- Good price for family plan.
- Thorough monitoring of the Dark Web.
- Watches for anomalous financial transactions.
Cons:
- Reputation management incorrectly flags certain photos and posts.
- Requires creating three or more login profiles.
- Password manager lacks advanced features.
IDX Complete
Best for Protecting Your Privacy
IDX Complete zeroes in on your privacy. It does not attempt to provide antivirus protection, but it will remove your personal data from data broker websites. The SocialSentry feature monitors fraud and problematic content on social media accounts. The VPN ensures the privacy of all of your connections, and a password manager lets you protect all your accounts with unique passwords. Also, the identity monitoring component tracks misuse of your Social Security Number and monitors credit with all three bureaus. If the worst happens, users can access unlimited identity theft recovery that is backed by a $1 million insurance.
Who It’s For: Users who already have a favorite security suite. This works alongside your existing software to provide privacy-specific protection features, as well as identity monitoring and identity theft recovery.
Pros:
- Million-dollar insurance for ID recovery expenses.
- Credit monitoring helps stop ID theft at early stages.
- Includes VPN, password manager, and tracker blocking.
- Alerts for Dark Web exposure of personal data.
- Automates opting out of personal data collection.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Personal data entry can have some awkward features.
- VPN features are limited.
McAfee+
Best for Multi-Device Households
With McAfee+, you can install security protection on all those devices, whether they run macOS, Android, Windows, or iOS, on your Desktops, tablets, laptops, and Smartphones. It even shields Chromebooks and ARM-based laptops. Also included is a VPN with no limits on bandwidth or server choices, simple password management, and parental control for a small fee. The service offers basic Dark Web monitoring at all three levels, as well as a scan that finds your personal data on people search sites.
Who It’s For: People who need to install security and identity protection for their entire household across many devices.
Pros:
- Identity protection and remediation.
- Protects all the devices in your household.
- Helps remove abandoned online accounts.
- Effective social media privacy control.
- Excellent antivirus lab test scores.
- Includes a no-limits VPN.
Cons:
- Users have missed two real-world ransomware attacks.
- Familiar features are no longer present.
- Children’s identity features are limited in the Family Plan.
Buying Guide: Is Identity Theft Protection Worth It?
If you can guarantee that you’ll never face a virus or other malware, you do not need to buy the security suites. This applies to identity theft protection services, too. If you are completely positive that no one will ever steal your identity, you do not need to buy them. Subscribing to a standalone identity theft service is in many ways like buying insurance. You pay for the service every year, and you hope you will never need to use it. When combining identity protection with device security software, it’s a more worthwhile investment.
When purchasing identity theft protection services, be sure to purchase a plan that covers all members of your family.
The Best Overall Identity Monitoring Services
All identity theft protection services monitor the Dark Web to make sure none of your data turns up there. Additionally, experts are readily available to help at any moment to recover from identity theft. Also, the services back their promises with at least $1 million of insurance.
These services usually partner with credit bureaus to offer credit monitoring and to help make freezes easy. All the services will warn you if anyone tries to change your address or if they try to open an account in your name. Each service has advanced features, so be sure to read the small print when choosing a service. This way, you can find the option that is the best fit for your situation.
How Does Identity Theft Insurance Work?
Most of the identity theft remediation services mentioned above are backed by insurance policies of $1 million or more. Some services reimburse users for funds stolen in an identity theft attack. If you lose your job or face lost wages due to identity theft, the insurance may cover you for that. You’re also likely to find caps on reimbursement for specific losses. You probably will be required to immediately notify the providers and provide expert personnel with the appropriate documentation.
Who Has the Best Identity Theft Protection?
Buying an identity theft protection plan requires more of an investment of your time and effort to enter the data you want to protect. Norton and LifeLock are known and trusted names, and Norton 360 with LifeLock is exceptional for both device protection and identity protection. Bitdefender Ultimate Security joins a top-notch security suite with great shields for your identity, with both as our Editors’ Choice selections for identity theft protection sites.
