Users of this best VPN app can now secure their online identity with a new set of security tools – and it can be yours without spending a dime.
ExpressVPN just launched Identity Defender, a security bundle that includes three different solutions: an identity theft alert, cyber insurance, and a data deletion service. These tools are only available for the US market at the time of writing.
Starting today, October 30, 2024, the ID suite will be free alongside the feature-packed VPN for all new customers who sign up for ExpressVPN’s new two-year plan. More availability is expected to follow.
The need for better identity protection
As digital threats become more widespread and sophisticated, a standalone VPN is no longer enough to protect your privacy while browsing the Internet.
Do you know that?
A VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is security software that encrypts all your Internet connections to prevent third parties from spying on your online activities. At the same time, it spoofs your real IP address location for better anonymity while allowing you to access otherwise geo-restricted content.
VPN providers, including ExpressVPN, have known this for a while. This is exactly why VPN solutions have evolved over time.
From malware and adblocking systems (see ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager) to password management tools (ExpressVPN Keys), now the focus seems to be on better identity protection.
Data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows that the number of identity theft cases reported in the first half of 2024 (552,000 cases) is expected to exceed all reports during the 12 months of 2023.
Therefore, there is a growing need for users to take control of their digital identity with easy-to-use tools that both prevent and recover from loss or damage.
How to use ExpressVPN Identity Defender
“Discovering that your personal data has been compromised is stressful enough, but figuring out what to do next can be even more challenging,” said Lauren Hendry Parsons, Digital Privacy Advocate at ExpressVPN.
“With Identity Defender, we want to provide users with a one-stop solution that not only helps them quickly determine if their information is at risk, but also guides them through effective steps to address any issues.”
To do that, the provider has launched three distinctive products that together provide a comprehensive solution to all problems associated with identity theft.
- ID alerts is a tool for monitoring personal information. It regularly performs dark web scans, checking your data, in addition to real-time Social Security Number (SSN) monitoring to protect you from possible financial fraud. Alerts also include any changes to your address and email redirection.
- ID theft is a cyber insurance plan powered by Assurant that provides coverage up to $1 million for identity theft and assistance in recovering stolen accounts. Data breaches, stolen identity, check forgery and embezzlement are some of the incidents covered. For more information, visit the Express website.
- Delete data regularly scans the Internet to let you know which data brokers and people search websites are holding information about you. It will then help you to request the deletion of all your collected data.
How to Get ExpressVPN Identity Defender
As previously mentioned, Express has currently launched its new Identity Defender suite for US users only.
Parsons told me that this is mainly due to the nature of the product: the United States is one of the countries with the largest number of victims. according to Statista – in combination with the fact that the US is the largest market for the provider.
At the time of writing, Identity Defender is also limited to new US users, before gradually rolling out to all US subscribers. Currently the provider does not have an exact date on which this will take place.
Despite being a security bundle, availability varies between the different tools.
ID Alerts are free with all new plans, while ID theft insurance and data erasure are only included with ExpressVPN’s new two-year plan – which Ny Breaking readers can get started with 3 months of free extra protection. Other subscribers must pay an additional fee to add these products, starting at $4.39 per month.
The platform’s availability is also limited to the iOS and Android VPN apps at the time of writing, with more coming soon.
