In 2025, identity theft is bigger, nastier, and more varied than ever. As more of our lives move online, fraudsters have more opportunities: from massive data breaches at corporations to credential harvesting via phishing, from synthetic identity fraud to account takeover attacks. Having a robust identity theft protection service is no longer a “nice to have” — it may very well be one of your most important defenses.
In this guide, we evaluate identity theft protection products (including Surfshark Alert and NordProtect) and break down how to choose the right plan for your needs.
Best identity theft protection services in 2025
Surfshark Alert
Top
Surfshark Alert is positioned as a highly affordable identity monitoring tool rather than a full-service restoration product. As of 2025, it offers dark web monitoring, email / identity / credit card scans, and leak‑detection alerts, but does not include credit report monitoring or identity theft insurance.
It is bundled within the Surfshark One / One+ subscription, which also includes a VPN and antivirus tools, making it a good pick for users who want basic breach detection plus cybersecurity tools.
This service is a solid option if you’re looking for affordable, basic identity protection, but it’s best used alongside other tools if you want full coverage — especially when it comes to credit monitoring and recovery support.
Pros & Cons
Very budget-friendly, with plans starting around $2.69/month
Unlimited monitoring, so you can keep tabs on multiple email addresses and personal details
Comes as part of an all-in-one bundle, including a VPN and antivirus for extra digital security
No built-in credit monitoring, so it won’t alert you to changes in your credit reports
Lacks identity theft insurance or recovery services, which could leave you exposed if something goes wrong
To get complete identity protection, you might want to pair it with a separate credit monitoring or identity restoration service
Review
Best for: Budget users & digital security bundles
NordProtect
Top
NordProtect positions itself as a well-rounded identity and cybersecurity solution, combining essential protections like dark web monitoring, credit tracking (currently via one bureau), and identity theft insurance up to $1 million.
Higher-tier plans also let you bundle in extras like NordVPN, advanced malware protection (Threat Protection Pro), and even data removal services via Incogni, making it a flexible option for those who want layered security.
Pros & Cons
Comprehensive coverage that blends identity protection with cybersecurity tools
Includes identity restoration support and up to $1 million in theft and fraud insurance
Flexible bundle options, so you can customize your protection with add-ons like VPN, malware defense, or data removal
Currently only monitors one credit bureau (three-bureau coverage is planned for late 2025)
No true family plan — each person needs their own separate subscription
Some monitoring tools are a bit lighter or less detailed than what top-tier competitors offer
Review
Best for: Cybersecurity-conscious individuals
Aura
Top
Aura is among the more “complete” identity security suites. It offers three‑bureau credit monitoring for all plans, home and auto title monitoring, dark web scanning, and bundled cybersecurity tools (antivirus, VPN, password manager).
Its plans are structured by number of people rather than feature tiers — so core protections are consistent across plans.
Pros & Cons
Consistent features across all plans — no watered-down or limited versions
Covers a wide range of risks, including credit monitoring, title fraud, device and network threats
Family-friendly, with support for multiple users and kid-focused add-ons
The included VPN often only connects to U.S. servers, limiting flexibility for international use
The app can feel clunky or slow to set up, according to some users
With all plans including the full suite of features, there’s less availability of budget-friendly, minimal options
Review
Best for: Families & users wanting full coverage
Norton LifeLock
Top
Norton LifeLock continues to be a full-featured identity protection brand, combining identity monitoring, credit bureau alerts, restoration services, and financial / legal reimbursement.
Its higher‑tier plans offer three‑bureau credit monitoring, enhanced coverage for accounts / financial transactions, and bundling with Norton 360 security tools (antivirus, VPN, etc.).
Pros & Cons
Backed by a trusted, mature brand with extensive features and experience in identity protection
Smooth integration with Norton security products, giving you one unified platform for both device and identity safety
Family plans available on premium tiers, covering up to 7 members under one account
Lower-tier plans may only monitor one credit bureau or come with limited features
Prices can jump significantly after the first year’s introductory rate
Some users report setup can be a bit complex, especially when managing both LifeLock and Norton apps together
Review
Best for: Long-time Norton users & U.S.-based families
Identity Guard
Top
Identity Guard uses AI‑powered monitoring (via IBM integration) to scan for identity threats, monitor credit, and issue alerts.
Depending on plan tier, features include social media monitoring, credit bureau monitoring (some plans include three‑bureau), and identity restoration support with up to $1 million coverage.
Pros & Cons
Affordable entry point (starting around $7.50/month) for basic coverage
Family and multi-user plans available (covering multiple adults & children)
AI-driven and social media monitoring features that detect obscure leaks or hidden accounts
Entry “Value” and mid-tier “Total” plans may lack full credit monitoring or identity restoration
App and dashboard may not be as polished or intuitive as top competitors
Some users report aggressive auto-renewal practices or weaker alerts in lower tiers
Review
Best for: Entry-level protection with AI tools
Identity theft protection services comparison table (2025)
| Provider | Credit monitoring | Identity theft insurance | Starting price (monthly) | Best for | Notable extras |
| Surfshark Alert | Not included | None | $2.69 | Budget users & digital security bundles | VPN, antivirus, unlimited monitoring |
| NordProtect | Single-bureau (3-bureau coming) | Up to $1M | ~$15.49 (varies by plan) | Cybersecurity-conscious individuals | VPN, Threat Protection Pro, Incogni |
| Aura | Three-bureau | Up to $1M | ~$12–$15 (varies by plan) | Families & users wanting full coverage | VPN, antivirus, password manager |
| Norton LifeLock | One to three bureaus | Up to up to $3M (varies) | ~$14.99 (varies by plan) | Long-time Norton users & U.S.-based families | Norton 360 tools, antivirus, VPN |
| Identity Guard | One or three bureaus | Up to $1M | $7.50 | Entry-level protection with AI tools | AI threat detection, social monitoring |
How does identity theft protection work
Identity theft protection keeps track of places like the dark web and credit reports to catch if your info is stolen. If they find anything suspicious, they’ll alert you. The best services go further, helping you fix the problem and even covering some costs if you’re a victim.
Is an identity theft protection service worth it?
If you actively monitor your credit and bank accounts and maintain strong security habits, you might manage without a protection service. But for most people, identity theft protection is a valuable safety net that saves time and confusion, especially when dealing with the challenges of identity theft recovery.
How to pick the best identity theft protection
Evaluate based on:
- Depth of monitoring (how many sources, bureaus)
- Strength / clarity of restoration support
- Insurance / reimbursement coverage
- Family / multi-user support
- Geographical / jurisdiction coverage
- Bundled tools (VPN, antivirus, password manager)
- Cost structure and renewal pricing
- Reputation, transparency, user reviews
FAQs
What is the most reliable identity theft protection?
It depends on where you live and your personal risk, but in the U.S., Norton LifeLock and NordProtect are trusted for their solid recovery help and insurance. Outside the U.S., Surfshark Alert gets great reviews for broad coverage.
Do I really need identity theft protection?
If you’re careful and keep an eye on your accounts, maybe not. But with so many hacks and scams these days, having a protection service can give you peace of mind and help you act fast if your info gets compromised.
Which service has the best family plan?
Aura is a favorite for families, covering adults and kids. Surfshark Alert lets you watch unlimited accounts under one subscription, and Norton LifeLock offers family plans too.
How do I report identity theft?
Start by filing a police report. Then alert your credit bureaus, banks, and fraud agencies. Freeze your credit to block any new damage and lean on your identity protection service to guide you through the next steps.
What should I do if my identity is stolen?
Don’t wait — freeze your accounts and credit, change passwords, watch your statements closely, notify your bank, and use your protection service’s support to help get things back on track. Keep records of everything!
Source: https://crypto.news/best-identity-theft-protection-services/