Use identity theft protection services for comprehensive monitoring

Services like Aura ($12/mo), LifeLock ($12/mo), or Identity Guard ($9/mo) provide comprehensive monitoring across credit bureaus, dark web, public records, and financial accounts. They alert you to suspicious activity and provide insurance and recovery assistance if identity theft occurs.

Why It Works

These services combine multiple monitoring streams that would take hours to check individually. The identity theft insurance (typically $1M) and dedicated recovery specialists provide a safety net if the worst happens.

Tips

• Aura includes a VPN, password manager, and antivirus in addition to identity monitoring
• Many employers offer identity protection as a benefit — check before purchasing separately
• Free alternatives (Credit Karma, Have I Been Pwned alerts) cover the basics for most people
• Consider paid services if your Social Security number has been compromised in a known breach