When it comes to identity theft protection, LifeLock is a household name. This detailed review will explore how well LifeLock safeguards your information against identity theft, though its pricing structure might give you pause.

Overview

LifeLock, one of the leading identity theft protection services, was acquired by Symantec (now known as NortonLifeLock) in 2016 for $2.3 billion. This acquisition was part of a strategic response to the declining sales of Norton products due to a shrinking PC market share, as explained by Symantec CEO Greg Clark.

Key Features

Standard Features

LifeLock's basic plan, called "Standard," offers essential features like:

$25,000 Reimbursement for Stolen Funds: Provides financial protection if money is stolen due to identity theft.

Identity Alerts: Notifies you if your personal information is used fraudulently.

Social Security Alerts: Monitors your social security number for suspicious activity.

Credit Monitoring: Keeps an eye on your credit report from one bureau.

Advanced Features

The premium plan, "Ultimate Plus," includes more comprehensive protection:

Up to $1 Million in Coverage: For lawyers and experts if needed to recover your identity and repair your credit.

Credit Monitoring from All Three Bureaus: Keeps tabs on your credit reports from all major credit bureaus.

Bank Account and Credit Card Activity Alerts: Monitors your accounts for suspicious transactions.

401(k) and Investment Account Alerts: Protects your retirement and investment accounts.

Sex Offender Registry Reports: Alerts you if a sex offender registers in your name.

Norton360 Integration

While LifeLock's identity theft protection features are robust on their own, its integration with Norton 360 enhances its appeal. Norton 360 is included at no extra cost with all "Select" and higher-tier subscriptions, offering protection for five to an unlimited number of devices. Some features of Norton 360 include:

100GB Cloud Storage: Securely backs up important files.

Password Manager: Helps you manage and protect your passwords.

Parental Controls: Ensures safe internet usage for children.

Virtual Private Network (VPN): Provides online privacy and security.

Norton 360's comprehensive protection package makes LifeLock a more attractive option, even though you might find better standalone solutions for each feature.

Pricing

LifeLock's pricing structure is somewhat complex. As Norton is LifeLock's parent company, all plans beyond the basic one include some form of Norton 360. Here's a breakdown:

Standard Plan: $9.99/month for the first year. Includes basic identity theft protection.

Select Plan: $9.99/month for the first year. Includes Norton 360 protection and the same basic identity theft protection features as the Standard plan.

Advantage Plan: $19.99/month for the first year. Adds more coverage and features.

Ultimate Plus Plan: $29.99/month for the first year. Offers the most comprehensive coverage and features.

It's important to note that prices increase significantly after the first year.

Ease of Use

You can subscribe to LifeLock or Norton 360 through either company’s website. LifeLock’s site is straightforward and user-friendly, providing clear information about identity theft and how LifeLock works. The "start membership" button is prominently displayed, making it easy to access pricing details.

Signup and Setup

After selecting a plan, you’ll be directed to a checkout page showing the subscription’s monthly cost and benefits. Clicking "checkout" redirects you to Norton's sign-up page, where you fill out your personal information and verify your identity.

LifeLock’s initial setup includes a brief tutorial on account alerts, credit score tracking, and transaction monitoring. However, it doesn’t cover setting up payment methods and bank accounts for dark web monitoring, which can be a bit confusing for new users.

Account Management

LifeLock and Norton share a login page, so you must select the "sign in with Norton" option. If you were a LifeLock customer before the merger, you likely still have access to your original account.

The dashboard provides an overview of your ID status but is cluttered with ads. Since identity theft protection runs automatically once set up, you won’t need to use the dashboard frequently.

Conclusion

LifeLock offers robust identity theft protection, especially when integrated with Norton 360. However, its pricing structure and post-first-year cost increases might be a concern for some users. Its user-friendly setup and comprehensive protection features make it a strong choice for those looking to safeguard their personal information. While the dashboard could be less cluttered, the overall service is efficient and reliable.