Best Identity Theft Protection Services Ranked

When it comes to safeguarding your personal information against theft, having a robust identity theft protection service is essential. As technology evolves, so do the tactics of identity thieves, making it more important than ever to have a safety net in place. In this article, we’ll delve into the best identity theft protection services currently available and what makes them stand out.

1. Aura All-In-One ID Theft Protection

Overview

Aura offers arguably the most comprehensive protection for the price. It provides services for individuals, couples, and families, alongside stellar features such as antivirus, VPN, and safe browsing. What’s more, its family plans include child safety tools like online parental controls and gaming alerts.

Pricing

• Cost: $9 – $25 per month for family plans (annually billed).
• Identity Theft Insurance: Up to $5 million.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:

  • Extensive identity theft protection.
  • $5 million coverage.
  • Family plans cater to unlimited children.
• Cons:
  • Credit reports are only accessible annually.
  • Credit lock is limited to Experian.

2. IdentityForce Ultra Secure+Credit

Overview

IdentityForce excels in credit monitoring and protection due to its affiliation with TransUnion. The Ultra Secure+Credit plan offers three-bureau credit monitoring, credit scores, and reports along with identity theft protection.

Pricing

• Cost: $34.90 per month or $349.90 if billed annually.
• Identity Theft Insurance: $1 million coverage.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:

  • Comprehensive credit monitoring.
  • Family plan covers unlimited minors.
  • Tools to improve credit health.
• Cons:
  • Higher costs compared to competitors.
  • Credit reports are quarterly instead of monthly.

3. McAfee+ Ultimate

Overview

McAfee redefines identity theft protection with its strong anti-malware tools and a unique offer: up to $25,000 in ransomware coverage for each of up to two adults.

Pricing

• Cost: $16.70 – $20.83 per month, when billed annually.
• Identity Theft Insurance: Up to $2 million.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:

  • Comprehensive ransomware coverage.
  • Extensive device protection features.
  • Family plan includes parental controls.
• Cons:
  • Plans are only available annually.
  • Limited source for credit reports.

4. ID Watchdog Premium

Overview

ID Watchdog shines in the realm of retirement and medical account protection, offering reimbursement services for 401(k)s and HSAs totaling up to $1 million.

Pricing

• Cost: $18.33 – $29.16 per month, when billed annually.
• Identity Theft Insurance: Up to $1 million.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:

  • Excellent 401(k) protection.
  • Family plans include Equifax Child Credit Lock.
• Cons:
  • Credit scores are available annually.
  • No antivirus software included.

5. IDX Complete

Overview

IDX is known for its premium privacy tools, offering features that help remove personal information from numerous data brokers.

Pricing

• Cost: $29.61 – $58.49 per month if billed annually.
• Identity Theft Insurance: Up to $1 million.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:

  • Enterprise-level privacy tools.
  • Extensive data removal services.
• Cons:
  • Family plans can get pricey.
  • Annual credit reports only.

6. IDShield 3 Credit Bureau Monitoring

Overview

IDShield is well-regarded for its restoration services, including access to dedicated private investigators if your identity is compromised.

Pricing

• Cost: $19.95 – $34.95 per month.
• Identity Theft Insurance: Up to $3 million.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:

  • Comprehensive restoration support.
  • Extensive cybersecurity measures.
• Cons:
  • Coverage doesn’t include stolen funds.
  • Cybersecurity tools are limited to specific devices.

Summary: Best Identity Theft Protection Services

How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Identity theft is a pervasive issue that can manifest in several ways. Here are some key methods:

• Data Breaches: Cybercriminals often exploit weak security protocols to access sensitive data stored by companies.
• Phishing Schemes: Thieves impersonate legitimate organizations to capture personal information through emails, texts, or calls.
• Compromised Accounts: Identity thieves may hack into online accounts to extract sensitive data.

How to Pick an Identity Theft Monitoring Service

Choosing the right identity theft monitoring service can be daunting. Key factors to consider include:

• Insurance: Look for plans that offer comprehensive identity theft insurance.
• Credit Monitoring: Ensure the service monitors all three major credit bureaus.
• Family Plans: If you have children, consider options that provide identity theft protections for minors.
• Pricing: Compare costs and any available discounts, especially for annual payments.
• Free Trials: Opt for providers that allow a trial period to evaluate their services.

This guide should serve as a comprehensive overview for anyone looking to safeguard their identity against rising threats in today’s digital landscape.