We live in a world in which your personal information being exposed in a data breach is not a question of if but inevitably when. Choosing the right identity theft protection coverage is no longer an option but is now a necessity to safeguard your data and your finances.
Two industry leaders in identity theft protection are IdentityIQ and Aura. Here’s a breakdown of what both services offer, and which one is the best choice.
IdentityIQ
IdentityIQ is a U.S.-based identity theft protection service that focuses on individual and family protection, as well as providing award-winning customer service. IdentityIQ protects users through:
- Credit Monitoring – IdentityIQ monitors credit reports from all three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) and provides real-time fraud alerts for suspicious activity. IdentityIQ alerts are delivered immediately from each of the three credit bureaus. This is one area that makes IdenityIQ stand out, because other services only provide real-time alerts from one major bureau and bundle the alerts from the other two bureaus that are then delivered at the end of the day. Identity thieves can do a lot of damage in a day. The name of the game is speed when reporting identity theft. The quicker identity theft is reported to the credit bureaus, the less damage is done.
- Dark Web Monitoring – IdentityIQ scans millions of sites on the dark web for exposed information. The company also uses cutting-edge AI, former law enforcement professionals, and more to continuously track and detect threats. Members receive real-time alerts when information is found, so they can act quickly to prevent identity theft.
- Device Security – IdentityIQ offers secure browsing, a password manager, a virtual private network (VPN), antivirus, and malware protection for up to 10 devices. VPN creates a secure connection when online, so data is encrypted, and online activity stays safe.
- Insurance & Recovery – IdentityIQ provides up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. If suspicious activity is detected, a personalized U.S.-based fraud restoration specialist is assigned to assist.
Pros of IdentityIQ
- Three-Bureau Credit Monitoring – Comprehensive monitoring means faster fraud detection and limits the damage from exposed data.
- Real-Time Alerts – IdentityIQ has the fastest alerts in the business. When it comes to identity theft, speed is everything.
- Monthly Credit Reports & Scores – Plans offer three-bureau credit reports and scores each month, something Aura does not offer.
- Education – IdentityIQ stays on top of the latest trends in scams and fraud and provides valuable tips on how to stay safe.
- Personalized Recovery Support – Hands-on 100% U.S.-based identity theft restoration specialists provide white-glove services in every step of the recovery process.
- Customizable & Cost-Effective – IdentityIQ has a wide range of plans with add-on options, so a plan can be customized. These plans are generally lower priced compared to Aura’s all-in-one approach.
Cons of IdentityIQ
- Digital Security Tools Add-Ons – Device security with VPN, antivirus, and password manager is available only as add-ons.
- Premium Features Cost More – Three-bureau monitoring and monthly credit reports and scores come with the higher-cost plans.
Aura
Aura is an identity protection service that offers all-in-one security services. Aura protects users through:
- Personal Information – Aura safeguards personal information by monitoring various portals and web services to identify where personal data is being used. The company also accesses court records, offenders’ lists, the dark web, data broker networks, and more. Aura provides daily alerts for possible fraud.
- Credit Fraud – Aura monitors bank accounts and credit services to detect suspicious activity. Additionally, it offers a Credit Lock feature that enables users to lock their credit files from unauthorized access.
- Digital Threats – Aura offers device protection through services such as VPN, antivirus, password manager, and ad blocker.
Pros of Aura
- Antivirus – Aura’s antivirus and malware help provide device security.
- Insurance Coverage – Aura offers from $1 million in individual identity theft protection insurance to up to $5 million for family plans.
Cons of Aura
- Cost – Aura’s services can be pricey and aren’t very customizable.
- App – Some members report it is difficult to navigate the app.
- Daily Alerts – Since Aura only offers real-time alerts from one bureau, members can be at risk of delayed fraud alerts.
- One-Bureau Scores – Aura only provides one-bureau monthly credit scores.
IdentityIQ or Aura?
When comparing IdentityIQ and Aura, we found that IdentityIQ is the better option. The speed of IdentityIQ fraud alerts puts it above its competitors. The lower cost and customizable plans also make it more attractive than Aura’s services. While Aura does provide credit report monitoring, its daily alerts don’t stand up to IdentityIQ’s real-time delivery of alerts from all three major credit bureaus. That can mean the difference between stopping an identity thief in their tracks and losing thousands of dollars.
For anyone serious about safeguarding their identity and finances, IdentityIQ stands out as the clear winner.