LifeLock is a well-known provider in the realm of identity theft protection. This thorough review delves into the effectiveness of LifeLock's services in securing your personal information, while also examining its pricing model, which may raise some eyebrows.
Introduction
Acquired by Symantec, now NortonLifeLock, for a staggering $2.3 billion in 2016, LifeLock has established itself as a frontrunner in identity theft protection. The acquisition was a strategic move by Symantec CEO Greg Clark to counteract the下滑 in Norton's sales amidst a shrinking PC market.
Core Offerings
Essential Services
The entry-level "Standard" plan by LifeLock includes:
Financial Reimbursement of $25,000: Offers compensation in the event of identity theft-related financial losses.
Identity Notifications: Alerts you to any fraudulent use of your personal details.
Social Security Monitoring: Watches for any suspicious activities involving your Social Security number.
Credit Report Monitoring: Tracks changes in your credit report from a single bureau.
Premium Services
The "Ultimate Plus" plan extends protection with:
Coverage Up to $1 Million: Provides extensive coverage for legal and expert assistance in identity recovery and credit repair.
Credit Monitoring Across All Bureaus: Monitors your credit reports from the three major bureaus.
Alerts for Banking and Credit Card Activities: Watches for unusual transactions on your accounts.
Alerts for 401(k) and Investment Accounts: Safeguards your retirement and investment assets.
Sex Offender Registry Notifications: Informs you of any sex offender registrations under your name.
Integration with Norton360
While LifeLock's services are robust, the integration with Norton360 adds significant value. Included at no additional cost with "Select" and higher-tier subscriptions, Norton360 offers protection for multiple devices. Its features include:
100GB Secure Cloud Storage: Safeguards your important files.
Password Management: Assists in the secure management of your passwords.
Parental Controls: Promotes safe online practices for children.
Virtual Private Network (VPN): Enhances online privacy and security.
Although standalone solutions may offer better individual features, Norton360's comprehensive package makes LifeLock a compelling choice.
Pricing Details
LifeLock's pricing is somewhat intricate, with all plans beyond the basic level including Norton360. Here's the breakdown:
Standard Plan: $9.99/month for the first year, offering fundamental identity theft protection.
Select Plan: $9.99/month for the first year, incorporating Norton360 protection and the same basic features as the Standard plan.
Advantage Plan: $19.99/month for the first year, enhancing coverage and features.
Ultimate Plus Plan: $29.99/month for the first year, delivering the most extensive coverage and features available.
Be aware that prices escalate considerably after the initial year.
User Experience
Subscriptions to LifeLock or Norton360 can be initiated through their respective websites.