Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.
The Internet includes a hazardous element that functions as a major danger. Trolls persist in using social media platforms to conduct humiliating activities against users, but more dangerous threats exist beneath the surface. Criminal groups engage in illegal activities that involve trading stolen personal information, including credit card details, home addresses, and birth dates.
The stolen information is distributed to the highest bidder at black market prices. The criminal activities span a broad spectrum, including attacks against retirement accounts through compromised 401(k) logins and social media account hijacking. Hackers continuously explore new strategies to destroy people’s financial assets to pursue monetary benefits.
According to expert studies, the Dark Web generates an estimated 5% of worldwide internet traffic. This remarkable measurement reveals the extent of the issue. Various apps provide security measures through e-commerce website credit card protection and connection security alerts, but others help people review their credit reports to measure their online visibility.
The most effective solution requires a comprehensive answer that satisfies various needs. IdentityForce is one of the most complete identity theft protection solutions with its broad range of features, including VPN protection, which forms the fundamental basis of online security.
IdentityForce exceeds standard credit card and Social Security number protection because it actively prevents data breaches instead of merely reviewing them. The program provides strong evaluation tools that enable you to access 24/7 phone or chat support from an identity theft protection specialist. The premium plans from this provider are more expensive than standard identity theft protection applications, including LifeLock and Experian IdentityWorks.
IdentityForce: Plans and pricing
IdentityForce offers multiple service plans that cater to different customer requirements so that every person can select a suitable option. The service provides special annual discounts to customers who choose this payment method. The top-tier plans come with a higher cost, but customers can access premium services at a lower price through annual payment options. The 30-day trial period enables potential customers to test the complete service benefits without financial risk before subscribing to a long-term plan.
The UltraSecure Plan represents the most affordable option at $19.90 per month. Customers who opt for annual subscriptions at IdentityForce can reduce their monthly costs to $16.66. The annual payment for this plan amounts to $199.90, which provides an affordable identity protection solution. The UltraSecure Plan offers budget-friendly identity protection through its complete feature set, which includes dark web and social media monitoring. The digital world demands constant personal information monitoring because it remains at risk.
To enhance your financial security, consider upgrading to the UltraSecure & Credit package, a premium offering. The monthly fee is set at $34.90, with an annual payment option of $349.90, effectively reducing the monthly cost to just $29.16. This plan not only includes all the features of the standard tier but also provides additional benefits. These enhancements encompass comprehensive credit monitoring from three bureaus, detailed credit reports, up-to-date credit scores, a credit score tracker, and a credit score simulator, giving you a total view of your credit standing.
In addition to individual plans, there are two tiers of family plans with identical services but a $5 monthly surcharge. Each family plan includes coverage for two adults and up to 10 children for this modest price increase.
IdentityForce: Interface and mobile app
Selecting the right software for theft prevention is essential for safeguarding personal information. A key component of this selection process is the website associated with the identity theft protection service. The website not only provides insights into the range of features offered but also reflects the company’s professionalism and reliability. Regrettably, some identity theft protection organizations fall short in this area, presenting poorly designed and confusing websites that create a negative first impression. In stark contrast, IdentityForce stands out as a beacon of clarity and functionality, featuring a well-organized site that presents an extensive list of services in an easily navigable format.
The centerpiece of IdentityForce’s offering is its innovative dashboard, which transforms the user experience in identity theft protection through its intuitive and visually appealing design. This dashboard ensures that all vital information is presented in an easily digestible manner, facilitating users’ efficient management and safeguarding of their identities.
Upon logging in, users are greeted with a dashboard adorned with a row of clearly labeled icons, each representing a different facet of identity protection. This thoughtful layout allows for quick navigation to essential sections, including credit checks, banking details, car loans, retirement plans, and more. The spacious sections are designed to accommodate personal data comfortably, providing ample room for users to input all relevant information without feeling cramped.
To further enhance the user experience, IdentityForce’s dashboard provides streamlined data entry options. Fields are clearly labeled, and the dashboard incorporates helpful prompts and tooltips to guide users through the process of entering sensitive information. Whether they need to input their driver’s license number, passport information, or Social Security details, users can do so with peace of mind, confident that IdentityForce’s robust security measures will protect their data from potential breaches.
One standout feature of the dashboard is a dynamic progress bar that tracks the user’s completion status of their identity protection profile. This visual indicator urges users to complete their profiles and ensures they provide all necessary information for comprehensive protection against identity theft. The progress bar motivates users and gives them a clear visual representation of their preparedness, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding their identities.
Overall, IdentityForce’s dashboard sets a new benchmark in identity theft protection, combining user-friendly interface elements, well-structured sections, clear prompts, and motivational features like the progress bar. This seamless navigation empowers users, allowing them to control their identities proactively and effectively guard against potential threats.
However, users who wish to utilize IdentityForce’s services on mobile devices face a stark contrast between the experiences provided by iOS and Android applications. The Android version of the app struggles with a moderate rating of 2.6 out of 5 stars, indicating a significant level of dissatisfaction among users. Commonly reported issues include unreliable performance, frequent crashes, and frustrating login challenges, which can severely hinder users’ ability to access their accounts and utilize the app’s extensive features for identity protection.
Conversely, the iOS version of the app fares slightly better, earning a rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars. This suggests that while the iOS app may provide a more stable experience than its Android counterpart, it still grapples with its own set of issues. Users have reported instances of credit scores failing to update, encountering persistent “Server error messages,” and experiencing account lockouts due to login difficulties. Although these problems may occur less frequently than in the Android app, they can still prove to be inconvenient and frustrating for users seeking reliable identity protection.
In summary, while IdentityForce offers an impressive array of features and a user-centric approach through its dashboard, significant differences in the mobile app experience highlight the need for continuous improvement, particularly for Android users. By addressing these challenges, IdentityForce can further enhance its service and reputation in the competitive landscape of identity theft protection.
IdentityForce: Features
IdentityForce is renowned for its extensive identity protection services, but what might surprise some users is that it also offers a VPN (Virtual Private Network) tool within its Mobile Defense Suite. This integrated VPN, available exclusively through the mobile app, enhances security by alerting users to numerous online threats, including rogue applications, spyware, and unsecured Wi-Fi connections. However, it’s important to note that this VPN is limited to mobile devices and does not protect PC users.
Regrettably, key details about the VPN remain somewhat ambiguous. Essential information, such as the server locations, the presence of a “no logs” policy, and whether or not there’s a built-in “kill switch” to protect your data in case the connection drops, has yet to be disclosed. Given these uncertainties, users looking for robust VPN functionality may want to explore more established VPN services for anything beyond casual browsing.
One of the standout features of IdentityForce is its proactive monitoring of “Payday loan” hacks, a specific form of identity theft where individuals fraudulently obtain loans using another person’s identity. With this feature, users receive timely notifications, allowing them to address potential issues rapidly with their financial institutions. This immediacy can be crucial in mitigating financial loss and preventing further fraud. Furthermore, IdentityForce takes its commitment to user safety further by tracking sex offenders who may have obtained personal information to elude local identity registration laws, thereby enhancing community security.
The premium plans offered by IdentityForce are equipped with a robust suite of features to deliver comprehensive protection against identity theft and online threats. Central to these plans is a strong theft protection guarantee of up to $1 million. This provision ensures that members have access to crucial financial assistance and a dedicated resource network in the unfortunate event of identity theft. Members also gain access to lost wallet assistance, which expedites canceling and replacing lost or stolen credit cards, driver’s licenses, and other vital documents, making a potentially stressful situation much more manageable.
To further bolster security, IdentityForce’s premium plans include advanced Dark Web data analysis. This feature continuously scans the dark web for indications of compromised personal information, such as passwords, credit card details, and social security numbers. Users are promptly alerted if any sensitive data is detected and receive guidance on mitigating the risks and securing their accounts effectively.
IdentityForce includes a mobile password manager in its premium offerings to improve convenience and maintain security. This invaluable tool enables members to securely store and manage their passwords across multiple devices, promoting the use of strong and unique passwords for all online accounts. It also features a robust password generator, which creates complex, random passwords to enhance overall account security.
Moreover, IdentityForce extends its protection to social media by offering identity monitoring services. This feature actively scans social media platforms for unauthorized usage of members’ personal information, helping to identify potential identity theft attempts before they escalate. By detecting these threats early, users can take swift measures to safeguard their online reputations and prevent further reputational harm.
In summary, IdentityForce’s premium plans combine a suite of essential features—including $1 million in theft protection, lost wallet assistance, Dark Web data monitoring, a mobile password manager, and social media identity surveillance—into a singular solution designed to address the multifaceted challenges of identity protection. Together, these elements offer users peace of mind, knowing their personal information is being vigilantly monitored and safeguarded against the continuously evolving landscape of identity theft and online threats.
IdentityForce: The competition
IdentityForce is a strong contender in the identity theft protection market, but it faces significant competition from several other highly rated services. One of its primary rivals is Aura, which is often praised as a top overall choice due to its comprehensive monitoring. This includes dark web monitoring, public records checks, and financial account surveillance, which are usually competitively priced. Aura also offers higher identity theft insurance coverage options and additional cybersecurity tools, such as a VPN and antivirus software.
Another major competitor is LifeLock, a well-known name in the industry that is now part of Norton 360. LifeLock provides extensive monitoring, including social media, home title monitoring, and substantial identity theft insurance. However, its pricing structure can sometimes be less transparent, with introductory rates that increase significantly after the first year.
IDShield distinguishes itself with a strong focus on identity restoration. It often guarantees the restoration of your identity or the provision of your money back, and it offers access to licensed private investigators for complex cases. Additionally, IDShield has competitive pricing for its features.
Other notable competitors include Identity Guard, which is known for its AI-powered threat detection and often provides good value for families, and ID Watchdog, which offers solid credit monitoring and recovery services. Services like Experian IdentityWorks also compete directly by leveraging their connection to one of the major credit bureaus for enhanced credit monitoring.
Ultimately, the best choice for a consumer depends on their specific needs concerning features, pricing, and the desired level of insurance and restoration support.
IdentityForce: Final verdict
IdentityForce offers a robust suite of identity protection services that goes beyond the standard offerings of many competitors. While it does provide essential features like malware blockers, identity theft insurance, and credit monitoring, its premium plans offer a standout benefit: $1 million in identity theft insurance. This substantial coverage provides significant peace of mind during a breach. Additionally, including a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service for smartphones is a valuable extra, helping to secure your mobile data.
However, potential users should be aware of some drawbacks. Several reports indicate that mobile applications can be buggy and offer a less-than-satisfactory user experience. Furthermore, IdentityForce’s pricing is generally higher than that of some comparable products in the market. Another critical consideration for families is that child protection features come with additional fees, rather than being included in the base subscription.
Despite these points, one significant advantage of IdentityForce is its unified dashboard. This central hub consolidates all identity protection features, meaning users don’t need to download and manage multiple applications for various security aspects. This streamlined approach offers a definite benefit, simplifying identity management and making comprehensive protection more accessible.
We’ve also highlighted the best identity theft protection services
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *