Cybersecurity has become one of the most important things in this day and age. Whether you’re a single person or a multibillion-dollar company, cybercriminals are out to steal valuable private information. Luckily, there are companies that specialize in keeping your personal information secure. One of the most popular companies that offers these identity protection services is LifeLock. LifeLock has been around for years, offering some of the most robust identity restoration support out there. In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about LifeLock.
What is LifeLock?
LifeLock is one of the premier identity protection services. The company was founded in 2005 by Robert Maynard and Todd Davis. Today, it’s owned by Norton Antivirus. It has helped countless people safeguard their identities and restore them in the event that they are stolen. LifeLock offers its customers a wide range of identity protection services, like credit monitoring, dark web surveillance, and, of course, identity restoration support.
What makes LifeLock different from others?
While many identity protection services focus primarily on monitoring and alerting users to potential fraud, LifeLock goes a step further with its comprehensive identity restoration services. This makes it particularly valuable for older adults, who are often targeted by scammers and may want additional support in navigating the recovery process. LifeLock’s hands-on assistance ensures that victims of identity theft are not left to handle the aftermath alone, providing them with expert guidance every step of the way.
One of the biggest advantages of LifeLock over its competitors is its dedicated restoration team, which helps users recover from identity theft by:
- Filing police reports to document fraud and assist in legal proceedings.
- Contacting financial institutions to dispute unauthorized transactions and secure compromised accounts.
- Working with credit bureaus to remove fraudulent activity from credit reports.
- Providing legal documentation assistance to help restore stolen identities.
Many identity protection companies focus solely on detecting and preventing identity theft but lack robust restoration services when fraud does occur. LifeLock sets itself apart by offering a Million Dollar Protection Package that covers lawyer and expert fees if users need professional assistance in restoring their identity as well as a restoration guarantee, demonstrating LifeLock’s confidence in its restoration support services. With years of experience and industry expertise, LifeLock provides not only proactive security measures but also a safety net for those who fall victim to identity fraud, something that many competitors simply cannot match.
Features and benefits
When signing up for an identity protection service like LifeLock, you have to hand your trusted personal information over to them so they can monitor for you. It’s important to know that you’re working with the right company before you do this, so we’ve outlined some of the features and benefits of working with LifeLock below.
What personal information does LifeLock monitor?
Unfortunately, your personal information is easily accessible, making securing your identity more important than ever. Every time you share your personal information with another person or institution, it is being sent out into the world, and you have no clue where it’s going. Your identity can potentially be compromised every time you swipe your card at the gas pump or purchase something online.
Companies like LifeLock exist so you don’t have to worry as much when going about your daily life. LifeLock monitors both the normal web and the dark web for your most important personal details, such as information about your credit and your personal finances.
The best identity restoration services around
LifeLock is known for its strong identity restoration services, making it a great resource for individuals who may struggle with navigating the complexities of identity theft recovery. While identity theft can happen to anyone, older adults are often prime targets for scammers due to their financial assets and the increasing sophistication of fraud schemes. Many seniors may not be as familiar with online security best practices, making LifeLock’s hands-on restoration support particularly beneficial for those who need expert guidance in reclaiming their stolen identity.
All LifeLock plans include up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, covering expenses like fees paid to lawyers and other experts incurred during the restoration process. This means that if a LifeLock customer falls victim to identity theft, they have the financial backing to help cover costs such as legal fees, lost wages, and expert assistance — ensuring they can fully recover without additional financial stress.
Types of identity theft protection offered
There is a lot of key personal information people should monitor, which may slip the minds of seniors. They may not have mobile banking apps or credit monitoring apps installed on their devices, so staying up to date with their finances and credit can be a challenge. Services like LifeLock can help outsource the oversight of things like this, alerting users if something goes awry. Below, we’ve outlined exactly how LifeLock monitors its customers’ identities.
Comprehensive identity monitoring
LifeLock continuously scans a wide range of data sources to detect any suspicious activity linked to your identity. This includes monitoring for unauthorized use of your Social Security number, financial accounts, and personal information on the dark web. The service provides real-time alerts whenever unusual activity is detected, allowing users to respond quickly and minimize potential damage.
Dark web surveillance
One of LifeLock’s features is its dark web monitoring, which scans black-market websites, hacker forums, and underground trading platforms for compromised personal information. If a user’s credentials appear in illicit marketplaces, LifeLock immediately notifies them, allowing for swift action such as changing passwords or freezing credit to prevent fraud.
Credit monitoring and alerts
LifeLock provides credit monitoring services by tracking credit reports from major bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Users receive alerts about sudden changes in their credit profile, such as new account openings, hard inquiries, or unauthorized transactions. These alerts help individuals detect fraudulent activity before it escalates into financial loss.
Stolen funds reimbursement
Identity theft can be financially devastating, which is why LifeLock offers a stolen funds reimbursement policy. Depending on the plan, users can receive up to $1 million in reimbursement for stolen funds and personal expenses incurred due to identity theft. This feature provides peace of mind, ensuring that victims of fraud have financial support to recover from potential losses.
Identity theft restoration assistance
For users facing identity-related issues, LifeLock provides round-the-clock access to U.S.-based identity restoration specialists. If a LifeLock user has their identity stolen, they are assigned a dedicated case manager who personally oversees their recovery. Unlike competitors that only offer basic guidance, LifeLock’s specialists handle the complex legal and financial steps needed to restore a user’s identity. This includes filing police reports, completing fraud affidavits, and working with financial institutions to dispute fraudulent transactions and secure compromised accounts. By managing these time-consuming processes, LifeLock helps victims regain control without unnecessary stress.
A major concern for identity theft victims is the impact on their credit reports and financial standing. LifeLock works directly with the three major credit bureaus to dispute fraudulent accounts and remove unauthorized inquiries, helping to repair any credit damage caused by identity theft. Additionally, LifeLock provides legal documentation support, ensuring victims can prove their identity and resolve issues with law enforcement or government agencies if necessary.
What sets LifeLock apart is its ongoing support and proactive monitoring, ensuring that once a user’s identity is restored, it remains protected. Their 24/7 support team is available to handle any further complications, and their $1 million identity theft protection package covers expenses such as legal fees and lost wages related to identity recovery. While many competitors focus only on detection, LifeLock’s full-service restoration assistance ensures that users aren’t left to navigate identity theft recovery alone.
Real-time threat alerts
LifeLock sends real-time alerts through phone calls, emails, and mobile app notifications whenever suspicious activity is detected. Whether it’s an unauthorized credit card charge, a sudden address change, or a data breach involving a user’s personal information, LifeLock keeps users informed so they can take immediate action.
Privacy protection tools
Beyond identity monitoring, LifeLock also offers additional privacy protection features for purchase through Norton, such as VPN services, password managers, and data removal tools. These tools help users minimize their digital footprint and reduce the risk of cyber threats.
Can I use LifeLock’s services internationally?
Given the international nature of the internet, you can rest assured knowing that your identity will be protected no matter where you go if you are a LifeLock customer. Unfortunately, though, LifeLock seems to only be available for residents of the United States and Canada. This means if you are located outside of these countries (or are a part-time resident elsewhere), you would need to find a different company for identity protection services.
LifeLock pricing plans and options
LifeLock has a fairly complex pricing structure, since there are different tiers of plans. To help you better understand what you get with each plan, we’ve organized everything into a table below. If you want to learn more about LifeLock’s pricing plans or sign up for their service, you can check out their handy pricing page.
| Plan name | Individual plan cost | Family plan (2 adults) cost | Family plan (2 adults and 5 children) cost | Benefits |
| Standard | $11.99/month or $124.99/year | $23.99/month or $249.99/year | $35.99/month or $359.99/year | Up to $1 million for lawyers and experts, up to $25,000 in stolen funds reimbursement, up to $25,000 in personal expense reimbursement, identity and Social Security number alerts, and one-bureau credit monitoring coverage |
| Advantage | $22.99/month or $239.99/year | $45.99/month or $479.99/year | $57.99/month or $579.99/year | Everything in Standard, plus up to $100,000 in stolen funds reimbursement, up to $100,000 in personal expense reimbursement, TransUnion credit file lock, payday loan lock, phone takeover monitoring, alerts on crimes committed in your name, and buy-now-pay-later alerts |
| Ultimate Plus | $34.99/month or $339.99/year | $69.99/month or $679.99/year | $79.99/month or $799.99/year | Everything in Advantage, plus up to $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement, up to $1 million in personal expense reimbursement, unlimited one-bureau credit reports and scores (three bureaus annually), 401(k) and investment account alerts, home title monitoring, and social media monitoring |
LifeLock offers introductory rates when paying annually. Check their pricing page for details.
Does LifeLock offer a free trial?
If you’re on the fence about committing to LifeLock, you can test their services for 30 days for free. They also offer a 60-day money-back guarantee.
LifeLock enrollment process
If you’d like to sign up for LifeLock, the process is easy. Simply go to their website or download their app on your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. From there, navigate to their sign-up page, choose the plan you’d like, enter your personal and payment information, and click the buy button.
How do I cancel my LifeLock subscription?
The FTC recently instituted a “Click-to-Cancel” rule, requiring all businesses to make it easy for their customers to cancel their service. To cancel LifeLock, navigate to the account/settings area on their website or app and click the cancel subscription button. You can also cancel over the phone.
In-depth overview of LifeLock services
LifeLock’s plans offer many services and features. With so many features and services, it can be hard to understand how it all works. Here, we provide an in-depth explanation of LifeLock’s services. Keep in mind that services vary depending on the plan you get. For details, check LifeLock’s pricing page.
Monitoring services
LifeLock continuously monitors personal and financial information across various platforms, including credit bureaus, bank accounts, public records, and the dark web, to detect potential identity threats. The service scans for unauthorized transactions, fraudulent account openings, and Social Security number misuse, alerting users to suspicious activity before it escalates. LifeLock also provides proactive data breach notifications and credit monitoring, helping users take preventive measures to safeguard their identity.
How am I alerted if my identity is stolen?
LifeLock sends real-time alerts through email, SMS, phone calls, and mobile app notifications whenever suspicious activity is detected. Whether it’s a sudden change in credit score, an unauthorized account application, or personal information appearing on the dark web, LifeLock ensures that users are notified promptly. These alerts provide clear instructions on the necessary steps to mitigate potential damage, and users can also contact LifeLock’s 24/7 fraud resolution specialists for assistance.
How secure is my information with LifeLock?
LifeLock employs bank-grade encryption, multifactor authentication, and advanced cybersecurity measures to protect stored personal information. The company continuously updates its security protocols to guard against emerging cyber threats and ensure compliance with industry standards. Additionally, LifeLock integrates with Norton’s cybersecurity tools, offering added protection through VPN services, antivirus software, and dark web monitoring. By combining proactive identity monitoring with strong data security, LifeLock provides a robust defense against identity theft and fraud.
Credit reporting and alerts
One of the most important parts of your identity is your credit. Unfortunately, this means your credit is a prime target for cybercriminals. LifeLock provides some of the best credit reporting and alert systems on the market today.
LifeLock helps safeguard users’ credit by continuously monitoring their credit reports for unauthorized activity, such as new account openings, hard inquiries, or changes in personal information. If suspicious activity is detected, LifeLock sends instant alerts via email, SMS, phone calls, or mobile app notifications, allowing users to respond quickly. Additionally, LifeLock provides credit lock features and fraud resolution assistance to help users prevent further damage and restore their financial security if their credit is compromised.
LifeLock monitors credit and provides credit reports based on the user’s subscription plan. For example, the Ultimate Plus plan offers three-bureau credit monitoring and unlimited credit reports and credit scores from one bureau, with annual reports and scores from all three bureaus. These frequent updates help users detect potential fraud early, track their financial health, and take immediate action if unauthorized activity is found.
Privacy protection tools
LifeLock doesn’t just have top-notch monitoring services and credit alerts. They also offer a suite of fantastic privacy protection tools, which include:
- Dark web surveillance: Scans underground hacker forums and illegal marketplaces for compromised personal data.
- Integration with Norton Security products: Allows users to bundle their identity protection with VPN services, password managers, and antivirus software for a more comprehensive cybersecurity solution.
- Home title monitoring: Scans public records for unauthorized changes to a user’s home title or mortgage documents, helping to prevent real estate fraud and home title theft.
Identity restoration services
Unfortunately, there’s no sure way to prevent your identity from being stolen. If it is stolen, you’ll have to take some steps to restore your identity. LifeLock is one of the best companies out there when it comes to restoring your identity. They offer insurance specifically for restoring your identity, with each plan coming with $1 million worth of coverage for lawyers and other experts. Note that this is a separate policy from their stolen funds reimbursement and personal expense reimbursement. A $1 million policy means that you can rest assured knowing that you will be able to pay for whatever help you need to get your identity restored.
LifeLock customer reviews
It’s important to look into customer reviews when shopping for a service. LifeLock has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and 4.7/5 stars with 7,133 reviews on Trustpilot. This means that there are a lot of happy LifeLock customers out there.
Comparison with other ID protection services
The identity protection service market is saturated, meaning that LifeLock has many competitors. However, some of the most prominent competitors are Aura, IdentityForce, Identity Guard, and Zander Insurance. These are all top-notch providers of identity protection services. If you want to learn more about them, be sure to check out our stand-alone reviews of these companies and our convenient summary article. Also be sure to check out our identity protection services buyer’s guide for tips on how to choose the right service for you.
How does LifeLock compare to Aura?
One of the most prominent up-and-coming identity protection services on the market right now is Aura. Aura offers its customers all-in-one security solutions, including identity theft protection, antivirus software, VPN services, and parental controls.
While LifeLock does not offer these additional services, they offer the option to bundle their identity protection services with other Norton products, making them less cost-effective than Aura. However, LifeLock is a much more mature company in the space, existing for roughly a decade longer than Aura. LifeLock is often the choice for those looking for robust restoration services and a long track record to back them up.
LifeLock customer support
Customer service is paramount when it comes to something as important as your identity. If you’re a LifeLock customer, you can rest assured knowing there are plenty of ways to get in touch with a customer service representative. They have several outlets so you get an answer to your questions 24/7/365.
Here are the best ways to get in touch with LifeLock:
- Phone (domestic): 1-800-543-3562
- Phone (international): 1-480-457-4500
- Member portal: https://memberportal.lifelock.com/
- Chat: https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/contact-chat
- Mail: 60 East Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 1000, Tempe, AZ 85281
Wrapping things up: Who is LifeLock right for?
Although LifeLock comes with a hefty price tag, especially for its highest-end plan, it also provides customers with great coverage and restoration services should their identities get stolen. This will ensure that you have the means necessary to entirely restore your identity if it ever happens to fall into the hands of cybercriminals.
