Your identity is your asset. Your finances, professional network, reputation, and digital existence are connected. And just like any other asset, it needs protection, especially when identity theft and cybercriminals are rising.
With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, relying solely on personal vigilance is insufficient. You need full-spectrum support and coverage to prevent data breaches and safeguard your digital identity. That’s where identity theft protection service comes in. An identity theft protection service is a subscription-based plan in which you hire IT professionals to continuously monitor, detect, and respond to suspicious activities related to your identity.
However, not all protection services are reliable or offer similar coverage and value. While some take a holistic approach to provide end-to-end protection, others barely scratch the surface. Before subscribing to a plan, carefully analyze the services you’ll be paying for. Check these deal-breakers to ensure you get absolute protection, not just empty promises.
Things To Keep in Mind Before Getting Identity Theft Protection Services
Identity theft occurs when a cyberfraudster unauthorizedly accesses your sensitive data, such as your full name, address, date of birth, credit card number, bank account details, Social Security number, or medical insurance account number, without your knowledge, and uses it to commit crimes or financial fraud. By getting identity theft protection services, you can avoid the worst-case scenario and keep your security tight. Check these factors to find a reliable service.
1. No Flowery Promises
Understand this: There’s no such thing as 100% hack-proof protection. No matter how robust the safety measures are, hackers are tech-savvy and evolve; the more advanced the technology, the more sophisticated the hacker tactics. So, don’t fall for any service claiming to offer unbreakable, foolproof, or unhackable protection. Instead, choose services that follow strong safety protocols, maintain transparency, and stay updated with the latest advancements in cybersecurity. Remember, your goal isn’t a 100% guarantee; it’s getting maximum security so nothing goes incredibly wrong.
2. Maintains Transparency in Monitoring
A trustworthy service provider always explains what type of data they monitor, where they monitor, how frequently the monitoring process happens, and what alerts they use in case of an intrusion. If the service’s website provides vague information or no concrete details about the specifics, walk away. You have the right to know what, where, and how they’ll monitor your data and what safety measures they’ll take. Vagueness and secrecy in the privacy policy scream red flags.
3. Offers End-to-End Support
Not all identity theft protection services offer the same level of protection and support. Some stop at just pointing out the threats and monitoring credit; others give it their all to provide all-inclusive protection, which includes the following features:
- Credit Monitoring
A trusted identity theft protection service continuously monitors credit across three crucial credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. It provides real-time updates and notifications even at the slightest hint of unfamiliarities in the credit report.
- Social Security and Account Monitoring
The service provider tracks your Social Security Number (SSN) across public databases and dark web marketplaces and monitors your bank accounts and credit card transactions. They offer timely alerts and take prompt action against unauthorized activities to safeguard SSN and prevent things from going out of control.
- Address Change Alerts
Cybercriminals sometimes change a victim’s home address to access mail and steal confidential information. An experienced identity protector is aware of this tactic and closely monitors for changes in public records in your name.
4. Offers 24/7 Identity Restoration Support
Identity theft does not occur by giving prior notice. It can happen to anyone at any hour. Reliable vendors identify the importance of round-the-clock support and offer assistance 24/7 so you get the support you need, be it filing a police complaint, disputing fraud, or getting through the recovery process, at any hour.
5. Helps With Theft Insurance Reimbursement
ID theft insurance coverage is a prime feature of a genuine vendor. From recovering stolen funds to lost wages to legal fees, the identity protector will calculate the most profitable coverage for you and your damages.
Final Thoughts
From credit monitoring and dark web scanning to fraud alerts and recovery assistance, identity theft protection services offer comprehensive support to shield sensitive data from attackers. However, before hiring an identity protector, verify the above mentioned factors. Doing so will ensure you choose a vendor who will be a trustworthy partner in keeping your digital footprint safe.
