Identity theft protection has steadily improved over the last decade, with LifeLock emerging as a comprehensive provider of identity defense tools and services. Hackers are continually tracking and exploiting vulnerable entrance points to online systems, and as such, technological advances have developed to keep up with them. To gain an edge on such threats, LifeLock’s identity theft protection has merged with Symantec’s cybersecurity to form a powerful partnership in online and device defense.

When LifeLock started in 2005, network technology was not as advanced as it is today, and e-commerce was still in its infancy as users began shopping online. While security has always been a priority, the early days of the internet were plagued with hackers and cybercriminals finding ways into computer networks.

LifeLock grew in value and popularity because of how easy it was for criminals to access online places like “the dark web.” In 2000, nefarious individuals began using the dark web, a brand new decentralized information storage system free from oversight. These individuals could buy digital identities in underground marketplaces. 

LifeLock Symantec Merger: Protecting PI Across Multiple Devices 

Cases of identity theft were on the rise as the dark web became the primary place to purchase stolen personal information (PI) like credit card numbers. In under fifteen years, LifeLock gained massive value as a company, so much so that in 2017, Symantec purchased LifeLock for $2.3 billion. 

Identity Theft Cases on the Rise

Why would an identity theft protection company acquire a provider of antivirus and malware-detection software? Cybersecurity starts at home as electronic devices and automated processes become second nature. The need for universal antivirus protection coincides with ID theft protection, so much so that you shouldn’t go online without having both types of security watching your back. 

Identity Theft by the Numbers 

Three specific types of identity theft crime plague people the most: 

1. False official government documents

2. Complete identity takeover

3. Imposter scams

From one-time imposter schemes to total identity takeover, each time a cybercriminal does something ruled as fraudulent online, it’s almost always about some sort of identity theft. In 2021, there were about 395,000 complaints of filing false or fraudulent government documents. 

Symantec, the company that produces and supports the Norton line of internet security software, was poised to expand into personal identity protection and move away from information network cybersecurity. To better reflect Symantec’s new mission, the organization rebranded and changed its name to Norton LifeLock in 2019.

A Timely Merger

Norton LifeLock brings together two aspects of online security everyone should know and understand. First, modern antivirus software has several decades of prior knowledge from which to draw insight. If you’ve ever had a home PC or Mac, you understand your need for virus protection while surfing the internet. 

Second, most people access the internet through tablets and smartphones. Cybersecurity needs to follow people as they use technology on the go and provide personal identity protection wherever and whenever they connect. The device and the connection to the internet should facilitate identity theft protection by default, not as a side thought. 

LifeLock Overview 

Norton LifeLock has three protection plans: Standard, Advantage and Ultimate Plus. LifeLock uses powerful antivirus rules and protocols that have accumulated for decades. The result is supercharged identity theft protection that adjusts to your digital lifestyle. For more information about your identity theft recovery needs, visit the federal government’s dedicated team of ID theft guardians.

This joining of two powerful cybersecurity companies provides unmatched security against identity theft and some of the best identity theft protection on the market. Delivering data breach notifications and credit monitoring to reimbursements for stolen funds, Norton LifeLock is a 24/7 personal security guard always on watch. It offers comprehensive support across three service areas:

• Threat detection alerts tell you when something or someone threatens your electronic security. For example, opening a credit line in your name without your knowledge won’t happen because LifeLock has your back.
• LifeLock provides a 24/7 monitoring service of all access points to your PI, including credit card and Social Security numbers. This includes watching the dark web for potential data breach evidence, like finding your identity in a dark web marketplace.
• Getting back to normal through credit repair services and identity monitoring is the best service point. If your identity is stolen, LifeLock’s mitigation actions put you first by plowing through bureaucratic processes that discourage most people.

LifeLock’s features provide comprehensive cybersecurity as it monitors and scans more than a trillion security scans daily. If you experience a data breach, LifeLock is right there, ready to make it right.

Pros:

• Backed by award-winning antivirus protection that can be seamlessly integrated with comprehensive real-time monitoring
• 30-day free trial
• Plans are available at three price points 
• 60-day money-back guarantee 

Cons:

• Expensive at the premium level 
• LifeLock doesn’t have family plans
• At lower tiers, premium protection services get dropped
• Price goes up after the first year
• Problematic customer service reputation 

LifeLock by Norton Plans

Here is a breakdown of the LifeLock plans: 

LifeLock Standard 

LifeLock Standard runs $11.99 monthly or $124.99 annually. At this basic entry level, individuals receive these valuable protection features on this LifeLock plan:

• Personal Information access monitoring
• Monitors one credit bureau
• Data breach alerts
• Watches on the dark web for stolen credentials
• Emergency stolen wallet or purse help
• Up to $1 million in attorneys fees on your behalf
• Up to $25,000 in stolen funds reimbursement and up to $25,000 in personal expenses
• Applies address change verification and other crucial personal information updates

LifeLock Advantage 

LifeLock Advantage costs $22.99 monthly or $239.99 a year. In addition to the standard plan benefits, Advantage adds more benefits and features.

• Credit and identity lockdown
• Phone line monitoring for hacking and tapping
• Warnings every time someone commits a crime in your name
• Unauthorized financial account opening
• Up to $100,000 in reimbursement
• Up to $100,000 for expenses

LifeLock Ultimate Plus 

LifeLock Ultimate Plus runs $34.99 or $339.99 annually for a single individual. Ultimate Plus includes the features in the Standard and Advantage plans, with the following additions:

• Monitoring on all social media feeds and downloads from one dashboard
• Account activity alerts
• Home title takeover monitoring
• Annual credit checks from all three credit bureaus
• 401k and investment retirement account activity alerts
• Monitors social media for malicious activity
• Bank account access monitoring
• Up to $1 million for stolen funds reimbursement and $1 million for expenses

Lifelock FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about LifeLock:

Does LifeLock monitor all three credit bureaus?

Depending on the plan you choose, LifeLock may monitor one, two, or all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). The more comprehensive plans typically include monitoring of all three bureaus.

How does LifeLock alert me if there is a potential identity theft issue?

LifeLock sends alerts through email, text messages, phone calls, or mobile app notifications, depending on your preferences. You can customize your alert preferences in your LifeLock account.

What happens if my identity is stolen while I’m a LifeLock member?

If you become a victim of identity theft while enrolled in LifeLock, the company will help you resolve the issue. This may include contacting creditors, providing guidance, and assisting with the necessary paperwork. LifeLock also offers identity theft insurance coverage for certain expenses related to identity theft restoration up to the limits specified in your chosen plan.

Can I cancel my LifeLock membership at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your LifeLock membership at any time. However, if you’ve prepaid for an annual plan, you may not receive a refund for the unused portion of that one-year membership.

How do I sign up for LifeLock?

You can sign up for LifeLock by visiting their website and selecting a plan that best fits your needs. Keep in mind that you’ll need to provide some personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number, to complete the enrollment process.

The Wrap Up

If you are ever the victim of an identity theft crime, LifeLock by Norton puts a team of professional customer service operatives in your corner. Combined with Symantec’s legendary cybersecurity antivirus expertise, LifeLock protects you from cybercriminals anywhere on the web. This unique protection follows you wherever you go online on any device that accesses the internet. With three plans, there’s an identity theft option for most budgets. 

Visit LifeLock today for more questions or to get started with protecting yourself with their identity theft protection services and get peace of mind that everything is protected.

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