Identity Theft Protection: Aura vs. LifeLock 2024
Identity theft has become a prevalent concern in today’s digital age, with millions of people falling victim to this crime every year. To combat this threat, various identity theft protection services have emerged, offering solutions to safeguard personal information and mitigate potential risks. Two prominent players in this space are Aura and LifeLock. In this article, we will conduct a thorough comparison of these two services, examining their features, pricing, and more, to help you make an informed decision about which one is the right fit for your needs.
Aura: Comprehensive Identity Protection with Added Value
Aura is a trusted name in the field of identity theft protection, boasting a customer base of over one million users. With nearly two decades of operation, Aura has established itself as a reputable provider, known for its commitment to safeguarding personal information. One significant milestone in Aura’s journey was its acquisition of Identity Guard, a highly regarded identity theft protection solution that has earned the trust of more than 38 million Americans. This strategic move has further strengthened Aura’s position in the personal cybersecurity industry.
Aura offers a range of robust features to protect individuals from identity theft and related threats. One standout feature is its identity monitoring, which involves continuous surveillance of various data sources to detect any suspicious activities or signs of potential identity theft. Aura’s identity monitoring service covers a wide range of data points, including credit cards and email addresses, providing users with real-time alerts and essential details to take immediate action in the event of a potential security breach.
In addition to identity monitoring, Aura offers three-bureau credit monitoring on all its plans. This feature allows users to keep tabs on their credit health by providing access to credit reports and credit score tracking. By monitoring credit activity from all three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – Aura ensures comprehensive coverage and early detection of any unauthorized credit activity.
Financial account monitoring is another key feature offered by Aura. This service involves monitoring users’ bank accounts, credit cards, investment accounts, and other financial tools for any unusual transactions or unauthorized access attempts. Aura provides high-risk transaction alerts, lost wallet remediation, and round-the-clock account monitoring to safeguard users’ financial assets effectively.
To provide an added layer of protection, Aura includes identity theft insurance coverage with benefits of up to $1,000,000 for each adult member. Couples plans offer coverage of up to $2,000,000, while Family plans provide up to $5,000,000 in identity theft insurance. Aura’s insurance coverage also includes stolen funds reimbursement, offering users peace of mind in the event of financial loss due to identity theft incidents.
As part of its commitment to comprehensive protection, Aura offers additional security services such as antivirus software and a virtual private network (VPN). The military-grade VPN access and professional antivirus software provided by Aura ensure enhanced online security and protect users from various forms of online threats.
LifeLock: Industry-leading Identity Theft Protection
LifeLock, owned by Norton LifeLock, is an industry leader in identity theft protection with a global user base of over 80 million. Norton LifeLock is the most well-known antivirus company, and LifeLock leverages its expertise to provide top-notch identity theft protection services. While LifeLock may not be the most budget-friendly option, it offers a wide array of services bundled within its pricing, making it the most popular choice among consumers.
Similar to Aura, LifeLock offers comprehensive identity monitoring, keeping a close eye on various data sources for any signs of suspicious activity or potential identity theft. In addition to standard identity monitoring, LifeLock goes a step further by incorporating social media monitoring into its services. This feature helps users detect any privacy breaches or unauthorized access attempts to their social media accounts, providing an extra layer of security.
LifeLock offers credit monitoring services, including one-bureau credit monitoring on Select and Advantage plans. Three-bureau monitoring, along with credit score tracking, is available on the Ultimate Plus plan. By monitoring credit activity and providing regular credit reports, LifeLock helps users stay informed about any changes or potential fraud attempts related to their credit profiles.
Financial account monitoring is also a key feature offered by LifeLock. The extent of this monitoring depends on the plan you choose. The Standard plan provides limited financial account monitoring, while the Advantage plan expands coverage to bank accounts and credit card accounts. The Ultimate Plus plan offers comprehensive financial account monitoring, including investment accounts, 401k, and changes to banking information.
LifeLock provides identity theft insurance coverage of $1,000,000 on all its plans, offering users financial protection in the event of identity theft incidents. However, it’s important to note that the coverage is primarily focused on lawyers and experts, with reimbursement for stolen funds and personal expenses limited to lower amounts, varying by plan.
While LifeLock offers antivirus protection and VPN access, it is worth mentioning that these features are only available through the more expensive Norton add-on. This is a notable difference compared to Aura, which includes these security features in all of its plans, ensuring comprehensive protection for its users.
Pricing and Plans: Finding the Right Fit
Pricing is an important consideration when choosing an identity theft protection service. Aura is the more affordable option between the two, with plans catering to different needs and budgets. Aura’s individual plan starts at $15 per month, while the couple and family plans are priced at $29 and $45 per month, respectively. By opting for an annual subscription, users can enjoy additional cost savings, with monthly costs starting at $12 for the individual plan.
LifeLock’s pricing structure can be more complex due to the inclusion of various add-ons and a comparatively higher renewal fee. The Standard plan starts at $11.99 per month for an individual, while the Advantage and Ultimate Plus plans are priced at $22.99 and $34.99 per month, respectively. Family plans are also available, accommodating two adults and up to five children.
When comparing Aura and LifeLock pricing, Aura offers more value across all its plans. While LifeLock’s plans may include additional services, the higher cost and potential add-ons can make it less cost-effective for some users.
Which Service Should You Choose?
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When choosing between Aura and LifeLock, it’s important to consider your specific needs and priorities. Aura offers robust identity protection services, including VPN access and antivirus software, making it an attractive option for individuals looking for comprehensive protection. However, some users may find that Aura’s individual plan is relatively more expensive compared to LifeLock’s basic offering.
On the other hand, LifeLock provides a wide range of services and has a significant user base, offering a sense of trust and greater reliability. However, the requirement for add-ons and higher renewal costs can be a drawback for some users. It’s also worth noting that LifeLock has faced a recent data breach, which may raise safety concerns for potential users.
In conclusion, both Aura and LifeLock offer valuable identity theft protection services. While Aura stands out for its added value features and competitive pricing, LifeLock is known for its industry-leading position and wide range of services. By carefully assessing your specific needs and priorities, you can make an informed decision and choose the service that best suits your requirements. Remember, protecting your personal information is essential in today’s digital landscape, and investing in a reliable identity theft protection service can provide the peace of mind you deserve.
