How Identity Defense Works
Identity Defense protects your online financial and other personal information from fraudsters. Delivered via a cloud-based service, Identity Defense:
- Monitors and protects your accounts and personal information
- Alerts you of any suspicious activity detected on them
- Helps you recover from any financial losses sustained as a result of identity theft
Using artificial intelligence by IBM Watson, Identity Defense monitors and protects your online identity around the clock. IBM Watson’s AI has the capacity to continually scan billions of data sources for the use of your personal details. This allows Identity Defense to keep an eye on your accounts and other personal information 24/7.
It monitors financial accounts, credit scores, dark web activity, and social media sites for events such as:
- Attempted credit applications in your name
- Changes to a bank account
- Use of your credit card details, social security number, health insurance ID, or passport
- Use of your personal details including date of birth, email, and mailing address
If your accounts or personal information are compromised, Identity Defense instantly notifies you, so you can act immediately and protect your identity from the threat. It also offers stolen funds reimbursement for financial losses resulting from identity theft.
Identity Defense’s plans cater to both individuals and families and provide different levels of protection depending on your needs and financial circumstances.
What Does Identity Defense Watch Out For
Identity Defense offers 3 tiers of coverage, providing increasingly comprehensive layers of protection against the threat of identity theft. All 3 plans include up to $1,000,000 in identity theft insurance to compensate for stolen funds.
Identity Defense’s Essential plan includes:
- Dark web monitoring to track any of your personal information that appears on the dark web
- High-risk transaction monitoring to detect any suspicious activity on your accounts
The Plus plan includes the features of an Essential Plan as well as:
- 3-bureau credit monitoring (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion)
- Monthly credit score check
- Address monitoring, for both home and business
The Complete plan offers the most comprehensive coverage. In addition to all of the above features available under both the Essential and Plus plans, it includes:
- Yearly credit report and scores
- Social media monitoring for platforms including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram
- Bank account takeover monitoring in the event someone tries to access your accounts
What Can Identity Defense Do If My Identity Is Stolen?
In the event your identity is compromised, Identity Defense offers up to $1,000,000 in identity theft insurance and stolen funds reimbursement coverage.
While this figure is fairly standard across the industry, it’s reassuringly available with each of Identity Defense’s plans, including the entry-level Essential plan.
How Easy Is It to Use?
Identity Defense is cloud-based, so it’s easy to access and use via its website. The sign-up process is straightforward, requiring customers to provide basic identity information including their address and social security number in an online form.
Identity Defense Customer Support
Identity Defense has a US-based client care center available:
- Monday - Friday from 8am-11pm EST
- Sunday from 9am-6pm EST
The client care team is contactable by phone or email.
Identity Defense Pricing
Identity Defense offers 3 tiers of payment plans for both individuals and families. Each plan includes up to $1,000,000 in identity theft insurance. Identity Defense appears to regularly offer discounts on its family plans.
Special rate
$6.99/month or $69.90/year
$9.99/month or $99.90/year
$19.99/month or $199.90/year
Regular rate
Individual - $8.99/month or $107.88/year
Family - $14.99/month or $179.88/year
Individual - $19.99/month or $239.88/year
Family - $29.99/month or $359.88/year
Individual - $29.99/month or $359.88/year
Family - $39.99/month or $479.88/year
Identity Defense Alternatives
How Identity Defense Compares to Other ID Theft Protection Services
Best for
Affordable identity theft protection
Full-spectrum protection
Internet banking
Price
$6.99/month or $69.90/year
$7.20/month or $79.99/year
$17.95/month
Free trial
No - but discounts offered
No
Yes - 14 days
Mobile app
No
Yes
Yes
Identity theft insurance
Up to $1,000,000
Up to $1,000,000
Up to $1,000,000
24/7 customer support
No
No
No
Bottom Line
Identity Defense is one of the most affordable solutions currently on the market for protection against identity theft, offering different levels of protection to suit your needs and budget.