Over 80 million people in 150 countries use LifeLock, an identity theft prevention program. LifeLock has long been a top choice for protecting sensitive and financial data from identity thieves.

Recent security breaches and $100 million penalties for data protection failings have cast doubt on LifeLock's efficacy, especially as new rivals emerge. As of 2023, LifeLock must be assessed for value.

LifeLock Features

Since 2005, LifeLock has protected consumers' data from identity theft. In 2017, Symantec, the developer of Norton, purchased LifeLock, turning it into an all-encompassing online protection service at a higher price than competitors like Aura.

Core Identity Theft Protection

LifeLock's primary service monitors users' bank accounts and credit ratings for fraud. This features proactive SSN notifications for different platforms, data breaches, and the Dark Web. If sensitive data is hacked, users receive immediate warnings.

Financial Protection

Each LifeLock plan monitors Equifax, a central credit bureau. A charge is required for complete coverage across Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Identity theft insurance up to $1,050,000 is notable. This covers attorney bills, stolen cash, and personal expenditures in the case of identity theft.

24/7 Live Support

LifeLock offers 24/7 live member help from U.S.-based identity restoration experts. All policies provide excellent protection, but premium plans include "Priority" support. Users may also add Norton 360 for further security. LifeLock with Norton 360 provides device protection, including a VPN, antivirus software, privacy monitor, ad-blocker, password manager, parental controls, and extensive PC cloud storage.

Tailored Protection

LifeLock offers tiered plans with different coverage levels to meet different needs. Pricing rises with protection level. Users may customize their protection with family plans, three-bureau credit monitoring, Norton 360 digital security tools, house title tracking, and more for an additional expense. LifeLock is a complete solution that adapts to digital security changes.

Why Does LifeLock Stands Out?

LifeLock offers global identity theft protection, but its plan selections could be more precise, leaving customers wondering who benefits most. Understanding LifeLock's offers is essential, primarily because three-bureau credit monitoring is only available in higher-priced programs.

LifeLock helps in certain situations, like identity theft insurance coverage of $1 million, which makes LifeLock's Ultimate Plus plan stand out. The coverage includes passports, personal costs, and legal fees. However, the base LifeLock price for the Standard monthly plan only covers $25,000 for stolen assets, which may not be enough for fraud victims.

Higher-priced LifeLock services are necessary for complete credit monitoring across all three leading credit reporting agencies. With rigorous credit monitoring, these services cover social media and investment accounts.

Also, LifeLock provides efficient personal protection. Individual plans are cheaper if family coverage is not essential. Family plans may look appealing at discount prices, but the Ultimate Plus family plan costs over $700 annually, making it a big financial commitment. However, understanding each plan's details is essential to match services to requirements and maximize protection without waste.

Shortcomings of LifeLock

Despite its popularity as an identity theft prevention service, LifeLock has numerous downsides that potential customers should consider.

Delayed Fraud Alerts

Delays in fraud notifications constitute a significant worry for LifeLock subscribers. Timeliness is critical in preventing identity theft, yet Trustpilot reviews show LifeLock notifications arriving weeks or months after the crime.

Expensive Plans

LifeLock may provide first-year promotions, but renewals are the truth. Plans have 30-45% renewal rate increases. LifeLock may be one of the most expensive identity theft protection choices.

Limited Lower-Tier Coverage

LifeLock's lower-tier insurance may need to provide more protection. Limited insurance and compensation following fraud may leave users with little assistance if the stolen money exceeds $25,000.

Data Protection Issues

LifeLock has been criticized for data protection. LifeLock was fined $100 million by the FTC in 2015 for failing to safeguard consumer data. 2018, a website flaw leaked customer emails, revealing the company's data security issues.

2023 Security Breach

In early 2023, LifeLock had another security violation despite penalties and warnings. Hackers stole confidential data from 6,450 LifeLock users. This incident casts doubt on LifeLock's security and ongoing data security issues.

Alternatives of Lifelock

LifeLock is famous for identity theft protection, but it may only suit some. Cost, coverage, insurance, and credit monitoring are important when picking alternative identity theft protection services.

Here are a few alternatives for Lifelock performing better in different case scenarios:

Aura

Aura is a compelling and superior identity theft protection solution to LifeLock, delivering unique benefits that meet consumers' changing demands. Aura excels at fast, effective customer service. This dedication to customer satisfaction improves the user experience and outperforms LifeLock's often inconsistent customer service.

Aura lets consumers customize features and solutions, unlike other rivals. Instead of being

forced to buy complete packages, consumers may customize their protection plan. So, Aura protects individuals, families, and children well. The platform provides family-wide safety beyond individual protection. A family-focused security policy is holistic and inclusive.

Aura distinguishes itself by showing probable identity theft incidents. This tool lets users analyze and identify possible danger trends over time, improving awareness and enabling preemptive steps. The ability to visually connect with identity danger history sets it apart from other identity protection systems.

Identity Guard

Identity Guard offers robust individual solutions with dark web surveillance and a password manager at a cheaper monthly cost than LifeLock. The individual plans are more reasonable than LifeLock, which raises fees after the first year. Identity Guard covers five adults and limitless kids, unlike LifeLock, making it more affordable for families.

Identity Guard's identity restoration services need to be improved. Identity Guard needs more clarification on their identity restoration help, unlike LifeLock, which offers extensive identity theft insurance and U.S.-based restoration professionals. Identity Guard only offers one-bureau credit monitoring in the Ultra Plan, whereas LifeLock does so across all plans. Identity Guard is affordable and feature-rich, but customers should consider its identity restoration and credit monitoring limits.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

LifeLock may benefit you if you want to safeguard against identity theft insurance. LifeLock Ultimate Plus covers one million dollars in identity theft damages. You may utilize this insurance for passports, personal costs, and legal bills.