7 Best identity theft protection apps to use in 2023 

The possibility of falling prey to criminals looking to steal our identities increases as we embrace the convenience of technology.

Recent research indicates that the prevalence of identity theft is still growing at an alarming rate, underscoring the essential need for strong security measures. 

Consumer identity theft complaints in the U.S. rose 3.3% in 2021 to just over 1.43 million from about 1.39 million in 2020. 

Thanks to the development of identity theft protection apps, people now have an effective tool to protect themselves against these constantly changing risks.

This article will explore the seven best identity theft protection apps available in 2023. To better comprehend their use in defending you against hackers’ numerous strategies.

1. Aura

Aura is an acknowledged player in the identity theft protection industry. It was founded in 2017 by Hari Ravichandran after being a victim of identity theft a few years back.  

Aura has extensive knowledge of identity theft prevention and provides a special function called “Identity Theft Restoration.” 

This tool offers victims support by assisting identity theft victims individually through the recuperation process and restoring their damaged identities. 

Standout features

1. Aura’s cutting-edge Dark Web Monitoring technology continually searches the internet’s hidden corners to determine whether your personal information is being bought or sold on shady online exchanges.

2. Credit Report Monitoring and Scores: Aura offers thorough credit report monitoring services, closely tracking your credit reports and notifying you of any significant modifications or possibly fraudulent activity.

3. Social media monitoring: Aura checks your social media profiles for any indications of identity theft or other illegal behavior. This includes identifying possible phishing attacks, harmful links or postings that might compromise your identity, and the unauthorized use of your private data.

4. Financial Account Monitoring: Aura monitors your credit cards, bank accounts, and other savings accounts and notifies you of any unusual activity or attempted illegal entry.

5. Mobile Security: By providing mobile security capabilities, Aura broadens the scope of its protection beyond your identity. When using the software to browse the internet on your mobile device, you are protected against phishing scams and harmful websites.

6. Identity Restoration Services: If you experience identity theft, Aura gives you access to a group of knowledgeable Identity Restoration Specialists who will help you through the restoration process.

7. Million Dollar Insurance Policy: Aura provides its users with a Million Dollar Insurance Policy that covers financial charges associated with identity theft, such as money taken, legal fees, and other restoration costs.

8. Family Coverage: Aura allows you to safeguard your family members against identity theft. As a result, you can ensure that everyone in your home has full protection against identity theft, including your spouse, kids, and other family members.

Limitations

1. Limited Device Compatibility: It could have compatibility restrictions, which restrict the operating systems or devices on which it is available.

2. Service Coverage: Its accessibility and coverage may differ depending on your location. Customers should confirm that the service is available and offers sufficient security in their particular area.

3. Aura has some restrictions in comparison to other identity theft protection applications. It might not provide sophisticated account takeover protection or credit monitoring.

4. Customer assistance: Aura has been faulted by its users that its customer service is neither responsive nor available.

Pricing 

• Essential Plan:  priced at $8.99 per month.

• Total Plan:  priced at $19.99 per month.

• Family Plan: priced at $37 per month

What Customers Are Saying

• Apple App Store: 4.6-star rating / 5 (4000 + reviews).

• Google Play Store: 4.5-star rating / 5 (2000+ reviews)

Here are a few quotes from customers:

“It’s been excellent this far. I’m testing out this software and service. This program is simple yet fluid, and it generally performs as intended. You guys are great, thank you.”

“This app has a number of problems. Support won’t even make an effort to assist through email. I don’t have the time to talk on the phone, but they simply tell me to call. The password manager hardly ever pops up when logging into anything even things you stored a password for. Needs a lot of work!“

2. Lifelock

LifeLock, an identity theft prevention program, has developed a solid reputation since its establishment in 2005. It offers various services to protect personal data. 

Among the unique aspects of LifeLock is its Million Dollar ProtectionTM Package, which provides financial recovery for stolen funds and expert assistance during identity theft events.

Standout features

1. Comprehensive Monitoring: Lifelock provides a wide range of monitoring options to keep check of your identity’s multiple aspects, such as personal data, credit reports, and bank accounts. It regularly checks for any potentially dangerous or suspicious activity.

2. Stolen Funds compensation: Lifelock offers up to $1 million in stolen funds compensation depending on your chosen plan. This function provides financial security and aids in covering damages brought on by identity theft.

3. Credit Reports and Monitoring: Lifelock closely monitors your credit reports and notifies you of any significant modifications or potentially fraudulent activities. It keeps you updated on your credit situation and looks for any unlawful use of your credit data.

4. Alerts for Bank and Credit Card Activity: Lifelock may inform you when your bank accounts or credit cards have engaged in questionable activity. This function may help you avoid additional financial loss by assisting you in immediately identifying fraudulent transactions.

Limitations

1. Limited Protection Against Existing Identity Theft: Lifelock’s insurance policies may have restrictions when addressing identity theft or fraudulent activity instances that have already occurred.

2. No Financial Loss Coverage Guarantee: There can be certain conditions and restrictions for compensation that the Lifelock coverage might not apply to.

3. Reliance on Current Credit Monitoring Services: Lifelock uses credit monitoring services from credit bureaus, which results in delays in getting credit reports or notifications.

4. Limited International Coverage: Lifelock’s services can be primarily centered in the US, and its coverage outside might be restricted.

Pricing 

• Lifelock Standard: priced at $9.99 per month.

• Lifelock Advantage: priced at $19.99 per month.

• Lifelock Ultimate Plus: priced at $29.99 per month.

What Customers Are Saying

• Apple App Store: 4.6-star rating / 5 (19000 + reviews).

• Google Play Store: 4.7-star rating / 5 (24000+ reviews)

Here are a few quotes from customers:

“This has been like my private secretary who does that for my whole family for a few bucks a month. Considering how quickly a hacker can drain your accounts, the $29/mo I pay is worth it, and better yet, it saved me from “the bad guys” twice.. I recommend them highly.”

“My wife and I have had LifeLock for many years (we’re in our mid-50s). We are very confident in their ability to alert us to identify issues impacting us. Here are a few years back, we added a mobile phone to our cellular plan, and by the time we returned to our car from the cellular store, I had a fraud alert text on my phone from LifeLock alerting me a phone was added. Thanks, LifeLock, for all you do to keep us protected.”

3. Identity Guard

Identity Guard has been safeguarding identities since its founding in 1996. It offers comprehensive features, including credit monitoring and social media identity protection. 

What sets Identity Guard apart is its IBM Watson-powered artificial intelligence technology, 

It analyzes vast amounts of data to provide users with personalized risk assessments and actionable insights to protect their identities effectively.

Standout features

1. Three-Bureau Credit Monitoring: Identity Guard monitors your credit reports from each of the three leading credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This thorough monitoring aids in detecting any alterations or questionable behavior in your financial reports.

2. IBM Watson Artificial Intelligence: Identity Guard analyzes and identifies possible identity theft risks using artificial intelligence technologies from IBM Watson. This cutting-edge technology improves the app’s ability to identify and warn you of potential threats.

3. The app gives users A risk management score, which evaluates their absolute risk of identity theft. This score enables users to recognize their vulnerability and take the required safety steps.

4. Lost Wallet Protection: Identity Guard is a lost wallet protection service that enables you to cancel and replace lost or stolen credit cards, identification cards, and other crucial files. They also aid in finding lost or stolen property.

Limitations

1. Dependence on External Data Sources: Identity Guard’s ability to deliver services depends on several collaborations and external data sources. The frequency and precision of the information they get from various sources may impact their monitoring and alerting capabilities.

2. Limited Family Coverage: Identity Guard’s entry-level plans may provide coverage for a single person but needs a higher-tier plan to cover family members. This restriction may impact users searching for all-encompassing coverage for their homes.

3. Absence of Public Wi-Fi Protection: Identity Guard may not provide certain features or defense against dangers related to public Wi-Fi networks.

Pricing 

• Identity Guard Value: priced at $7.20 per month 

• Identity Guard Total: Priced at $19.99 per month

• Identity Guard Premier: Priced at $24.99 per month.

What Customers Are Saying

• Apple App Store: 4.0-star rating / 5 (123 reviews).

• Google Play Store: 4.4-star rating / 5 (32 reviews)

Here are a few quotes from customers

“It’s the best defense you can get! I’ve had it for over two years, and it is still going great, as it constantly informs you of new updates, changes, and risks associated with your account. Alerts and notifications are prompt, showing you how to respond to attacks/ breaches or if someone is fraudulently trying to steal your information.”

“The only service that caught it! Someone opened a bank account in my name. I was immediately alerted by an identity guard that a bank had verified my identity. I contacted the bank, and sure enough, someone had opened an account using my SSN and name. I am subscribed to LifeLock, identity force, Experian identity works, and identity guard. Only the identity guard notified me.”

4. ID Shield

ID Shield, founded in 2003, is a popular identity theft protection app that integrates legal assistance with effective identity theft defense. 

It offers a distinctive emphasis on identity restoration, ensuring quick and effective recovery in an identity theft incident. 

ID Shield is often praised for having committed, certified private investigators who work relentlessly to restore individuals’ identities and lessen the effects of identity theft.

Standout features

1. Full-service identity restoration: If your identity is stolen, IDShield will work with you to restore it to how it was before the crime. This involves freezing your credit and challenging any fraudulent activity.

2. Access to professional private investigators: IDShield subscribers have access to a group of licensed private investigators that can assist you in identifying identity theft situations.

3. Social media monitoring entails keeping an eye out for things like publicly available information that might be exploited to steal your identity or adjustments to your privacy settings that could leave your accounts more open to attack.

4. IDShield provides 24/7 customer support, so you may always obtain assistance if you need it.

Limitations

1. High cost: IDShield is one of the most costly identity theft protection programs.

2. Limited coverage: IDShield does not provide coverage for all forms of identity theft, such as tax fraud.

3. IDShield does not have a mobile app, which may be challenging for specific users who are often on the move.

4. IDShield does not provide live chat customer service, which might be unfavorable for those who need assistance immediately.

Pricing 

• Individual (one credit bureau monitoring): $14.95/month

• Individual (three-bureau monitoring): $19.95/month

• Family (one credit bureau monitoring): $29.95/month

• Family (three-bureau monitoring): $34.95/month

What Customers Are Saying

• Apple App Store: 4.8-star rating / 5 (900 + reviews).

• Google Play Store: 4.6-star rating / 5 (700 + reviews)

Here are a few quotes from customers:

“Best ID theft protection out there. I have tried numerous identity theft protection apps and software over the years. Nothing has come close to being as user-friendly and robust as the ID Shield app. But my favorite part is that the licensed private investigators do the work to put your life back together when you become a victim of identity theft.”

“The UI is super clean; the trending credit score is useful to see periodically, and, so far, the monitoring service catches things. Idea: Someday, I’d like to monitor the freeze status of my three credit reports to be aware of when security freezes lapse.”

5. Identity Force 

Established in 2005, IdentityForce has garnered acclaim for its comprehensive identity theft protection services. 

What distinguishes IdentityForce is its emphasis on family protection, offering plans that cover not just the individual but also their spouse and children.

Standout features

1. The UltraSecure+ Credit feature from Identity Force offers thorough credit monitoring and notifications from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion credit agencies. This guarantees complete protection and alerts for unusual conduct throughout your credit records.

2. ChildWatch: The ChildWatch component of Identity Force is intended to safeguard your child’s identity by monitoring their data, especially their Social Security number. 

3. Medical identity monitoring: Medical identity theft is an increasing problem. This function monitors your medical records, insurance claims, and other healthcare-related data.

4. Fraud Resolution Assistance: Identity Force offers individualized support via their Fraud Resolution Specialists if you fall victim to identity theft. These professionals help you swiftly restore your identity by guiding you through the procedure.

Limitations

1. Not all of IdentityForce’s plans provide access to all of its features. For instance, social media or dark web surveillance are excluded from the base package.

2. Some customers have reported that IdentityForce’s customer service sometimes takes a long time to answer. This may be something to worry about if you need assistance with a security issue.

Pricing 

• IdentityForce UltraSecure: priced at $24.95 per month 

• IdentityForce UltraSecure+Credit: priced at $39.95 per month

• IdentityForce Family: priced at $44.95 per month.

What Customers Are Saying

• Apple App Store: 3.1-star rating / 5 (400 + reviews).

• Google Play Store: 2.5-star rating / 5 (300 + reviews)

Here are a few quotes from customers:

“Very easy to manage and understand. Works just as good and as fast as a video game these do, like being almost number one in a ranked game or almost number one ranking at the polls, Works so effectively and efficiently through any weather..”

“Since starting the service, not only have I felt that the service provided, but it is rigorous and worth the cost! Haven’t run into any errors or problems with access. It links pretty conveniently and reliably to the most critical parts of the service. It’s admittedly a bit spare, but I wouldn’t expect much via the app, and it mostly spares me the extra steps of logging in via a web browser.”

6. Privacy Guard 

Since 1994, Privacy Guard has earned a solid reputation for identity theft prevention, credit monitoring, and reporting.

 It ensures consumers have a comprehensive picture of their credit health and indicates any possible fraudulent activity. 

In addition, Privacy Guard offers synthetic Identity Monitoring that keeps tabs on the development and usage of fabricated identities, a strategy that identity thieves often use.

Standout features

1. Monitoring of Social Media: Privacy Guard offers thorough social media monitoring. Your social media accounts are scanned for shady behavior or privacy violations.

2. Privacy Score: Privacy Guard has a unique Privacy Score tool that evaluates the general security of your data. Privacy Guard gives you a measurable score so you may take proactive steps to improve your online privacy.

3. Analyzing Your Digital Footprint: Privacy Guard provides a detailed evaluation of your digital trace. It searches the internet for situations when your private information could be disclosed.

4. Family Protection: Privacy Guard provides coverage for every member of your family. Family members may be added to your account so that everyone can use the app’s advanced security features.

Limitations

1. Not all nations have access to it. Only the US, Canada, and the European Union presently access PrivacyGuard.

2. It does not have all functions that other programs include. For instance, PrivacyGuard does not provide children with services like identity theft protection.

3. Annual subscriptions are not offered. PrivacyGuard offers no free trial period; however, you may use it for 14 days and simply pay $1.

Pricing 

• Identity Protection: priced at $9.99 per month

• Credit Protection: priced at $19.99 per month.

• Total Protection: priced at $24.99 per month

• Family plan: priced at $34.99 per month

What Customers Are Saying

• Apple App Store: 4.4-star rating / 5 (600 + reviews).

• Google Play Store: 4.6-star rating / 5 (700 + reviews)

Here are a few quotes from customers

“Very knowledgeable about how this credit thing works compared to the other guys I was using to fix my score. It is incredible for up-to-date information f regarding credit history.”

“You should be able to try it before you buy it, and after three days, they ask you if you want to sign up..if you don’t like it, it’s a pain to get your money back.I only know this from past experience with other companies. still need to sign up for this I’m waiting.”

7. ID Watchdog

ID Watchdog stands out for its unique features that emphasize preventing identity theft via proactive monitoring and thorough, prompt notifications. 

The program uses “ID Vault,” a proprietary technology that analyzes various data sources continuously for any indication of possible identity theft. 

With the aid of this proactive method, users may keep one step ahead of fraudsters.

Standout features

1. Social Media Monitoring: ID Watchdog keeps a keen eye on your social media accounts for possible identity theft indicators, such as unwanted logins or adjustments to your privacy settings.

2. Biometric Authentication: ID Watchdog uses biometric authentication to increase security and stop illegal access to your account. This feature enables users to safeguard their identity theft protection software using fingerprint or face recognition technologies. 

3. Credit freeze: ID Watchdog makes it simple to prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name by freezing your credit report.

4. Lost Wallet Assistance: ID Watchdog includes a helpful Lost Wallet Assistance feature that gives direction and assistance if a wallet is lost or stolen.

Limitations

1. Customer service: ID Watchdog’s customer service has drawn criticism for, at times, being sluggish and unresponsive.

2. Usefulness: For those unfamiliar with identity theft prevention, ID Watchdog might be challenging to utilize.

3. Functions: ID Watchdog lacks certain functions, such as identity theft insurance, that some other programs for preventing identity theft provide.

Pricing 

• ID Watchdog Select individual: Priced at $14.95 per month 

• ID Watchdog Select family: Priced at $23.95 per month

• ID Watchdog Premium individual: Priced at costs $21.95 per month 

• ID Watchdog Premium family: Priced at $34.95 per month.

What Customers Are Saying

• Apple App Store: 2.2-star rating / 5 (65 reviews).

• Google Play Store: 3.3-star rating / 5 (82 reviews)

Here are a few quotes from customers

“Face ID is broken. It used to work; now it doesn’t. Deleted app and reinstalled but still, Face ID does not work. Some alerts have no information whatsoever, just a blank empty box. If you log in on the web, however, you can see the information missing from the app.”

“Great service! This company was always the first notification if anybody looked at my credit, bi-weekly reports of potential risks to your data, and their customer service is excellent! I have had this app for years!”

How Do Identity Theft Protection Apps Work?

Identity theft prevention apps safeguard people from possible risks using proactive monitoring, detection, and reaction techniques. 

To spot any unusual activity, they continuously check various sources to aid in spotting possible indicators of identity theft, such as selling personal information on the dark web.

They then deliver warnings and messages to the user when suspicious behavior is found, warning them of the possible danger. 

By receiving these notifications, you can take prompt action to enable them to prevent further attacks.

Identity protection apps could also provide advice and assistance to assist the user through the challenging process of rectifying the problem. 

This may include returning compromised files and providing access to identity restoration experts who can assist with credit disputes and false account closures.

At the same time, identity theft protection programs also provide additional features to help make your identity security even more solid. 

These include safe surfing, identity theft insurance, dark web and social media monitoring, and credit monitoring. 

These functions provide a thorough method for safeguarding personal data and lowering the possibility of identity theft.

Verdict: The Best ID theft protection app in 2023 

Aura stands out as the best option for ID theft prevention in 2023 due to its distinctive features and thorough approach to data security. 

Other justifications as to why you should consider aura include the following:

• Cutting-edge technology for adaptive threat detection on the dark web.

• Comprehensive monitoring services for credit to monitor changes and illegal activity.

• Protection for digital wallets to store payment information securely.

• Monitoring social media to reduce the danger of identity theft.

• Services for specialized identity restoration to support healing.

However, if Aura isn’t the best fit for you, we encourage you to explore alternative apps that align best with your needs. 

Protecting your identity is crucial; finding the right app can offer peace of mind in today’s digital landscape.