ExpressVPN has unveiled a new security initiative called Identity Defender, aimed at fortifying the protection of its users against identity theft. This three-part security solution includes identity-theft alerts, identity-theft insurance, and a data-removal service. As of today, all new subscribers to ExpressVPN’s 2-year plan in the U.S. will benefit from these enhanced security features, with additional availability expected to follow soon.
Understanding the Need for Identity Protection
ExpressVPN’s Digital Privacy Advocate, Lauren Hendry Parsons, highlighted the challenges individuals face when their personal information is compromised. “Discovering that your personal information has been compromised is stressful enough, but figuring out what to do next can be an even bigger challenge,” Parsons noted. The Identity Defender aims to streamline the process, helping users quickly identify risks and navigate the necessary steps to mitigate any potential damage.
Key Features of Identity Defender
- ID Alerts: This crucial feature comprises three monitoring tools designed to protect users:
- Change of Address Monitoring: Monitors for any unauthorized address changes.
- Dark Web Monitoring: Continuously scans the dark web for any potential exposure of user data.
- Social Security Number Monitoring: Alerts users whenever their Social Security number is utilized.
This feature ensures that users are promptly notified if their personal information is at risk.
- ID Theft Insurance: ExpressVPN offers financial coverage of up to $1 million in cases of identity theft. This benefit is available exclusively to subscribers of the 1-year or 2-year plans; those on the monthly plan can access this insurance for an additional fee of $7.99 per month.
- Data Removal Service: The Data Removal feature actively searches for your personal information on recognized data-broker sites, submitting removal requests on your behalf and monitoring these sites to ensure your data does not resurface.
Availability and Future Developments
These new features are available immediately for users on Android and iOS devices, with plans for broader platform support in the future. The launch of Identity Defender demonstrates ExpressVPN’s ongoing commitment to user security and privacy in an era where identity theft is an increasingly prevalent threat.