How LifeLock Works

LifeLock Basics

Disclosure: LifeLock, as well as other companies reviewed on ASR, compensate us for enrollments made through this site. There are many great identity theft protection providers and most of them compensate us for sales, therefore it doesn’t matter to us who you chose as long as you get the protection that’s best for you. Our reviews are completely unbiased and honest based on our expert opinion of the provided service.

Thieves can do a lot of damage when they get ahold of your personal information. And, while no identity monitoring service can prevent identity theft, the best ones help you avoid it — and mitigate any potential damage when it does occur. LifeLock offers an array of monitoring and alert services, as well as financial protection, to help you do that.

LifeLock’s features fall into three categories: monitoring, warnings, and restoration.

Monitoring

The best way to stop — or at least limit the damage from — identity theft is to be aware of any potential vulnerabilities. Identity monitoring is designed to track any red flags around your personal information, such as your Social Security number, name, or bank account numbers. If a thief uses any of these to try to open an account, you need to know quickly. Better yet, you would know as soon as a data breach occurs that could potentially expose your information in the first place.

This is perhaps Lifelock’s greatest strength, as its different plans allow you to customize exactly how much you want to be monitored. While all LifeLock plans include basic monitoring for key information such as your Social Security number or events like a major data breach, the higher-tier plans also monitor important data such as your bank account or phone numbers.

Warnings

Monitoring is only as good as the alert system that comes with it. After all, you need to be able to act quickly when your information is exposed or someone tries to use your identity to open a new account. LifeLock excels in this department as well, providing comprehensive alerts to go with the monitoring services in each of its plans.

With LifeLock’s basic plan, you’ll receive alerts anytime your Social Security number or date of birth is used suspiciously or your credit card number is involved in a data breach, for instance. You’ll also get notified when new activity appears on your credit report, whether it’s a new account or a negative item. LifeLock will even check with you to verify address changes that you’ve submitted to the U.S. Postal Service.

It’s especially tough to beat the alerts in LifeLock’s top-tier plan, LifeLock Ultimate Plus™. At this level of coverage, you’ll receive alerts not only anytime someone attempts to use your bank account information but even when they try to hack into your investment accounts or commit fraud with your home’s title. Your credit monitoring is also expanded to include all three bureaus, rather than only Equifax as with the other two plans. You’ll even receive notifications when convicted sex offenders register or move into your area.

Restoration

Even when you’re able to catch identity theft quickly, the damage can be significant. That’s why financial protection is such an important piece of the puzzle. It helps you cover any losses and hire the legal help you need so you can get back on your feet financially as quickly as possible.

All of LifeLock’s plans offer significant financial protection to help you deal with the effects of identity theft. Depending on the plan you choose, you’ll have $25,000, $100,000, or $1 million in coverage for stolen funds and personal expenses. So, let’s say a thief hacks into your bank account and spends $10,000, over-drafting your account in the process and incurring fees. LifeLock will reimburse you up to your plan limits for the lost money and any bank fees.

That might not be the end of the story, though. Perhaps the thief also uses your Social Security number to open a new credit card, racking up debt and damaging your credit score. You then have to hire a lawyer to clean up the mess and put your financial life back together. LifeLock has you covered here, too, with all its plans featuring up to $1 million in coverage for lawyers and other expert help.

LIfeLock’s restoration coverage can apply to other needs you may have when dealing with identity theft, such as:

• Lost wages from dealing with the crisis
• Document replacement fees
• Child and elderly care if you’re unable to provide the usual care while trying to restore your identity
• Travel expenses

You’ll also receive 24/7 live customer support with any LifeLock plan so you can address an issue as soon as it arises. If you’re a LifeLock Ultimate Plus™ member, you’ll receive priority support.

Other Notable LifeLock Features

Besides the above features, another feature that helps LifeLock stand out from some competitors is that its part of the Norton product family. That means you can add Norton 360 antivirus coverage to your LifeLock plan, extending protection for your personal information into your digital universe, as well.

You also have the option to try LifeLock before you commit to buying. The company offers a 30-free trial to give you a chance to explore the product and features before you pay anything out of pocket. The only catch is you have to sign up for an annual plan to be eligible. LifeLock’s annual plans also include a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can cancel for a full refund within the first two months if you’re not satisfied.

LifeLock Plans & Pricing Review

Disclosure: LifeLock, as well as other companies reviewed on ASR, compensate us for enrollments made through this site. There are many great identity theft protection providers and most of them compensate us for sales, therefore it doesn’t matter to us who you chose as long as you get the protection that’s best for you. Our reviews are completely unbiased and honest based on our expert opinion of the provided service.

Not everyone needs the same level of identity protection, so it’s important to have options that fit your protection needs and budget. LifeLock offers three different plans with different levels of support and plan features, so it’s easy to find an option that works for you.

All LifeLock plans include the basic essentials of identity and Social Security number alerts, including notifications for any activity related to you on the dark web or in data breaches. Plans also include stolen wallet protection to help you replace credit cards, driver’s licenses, and more. You’ll also receive address-change verifications, ID verification monitoring, alerts for any attempts to open utilities in your name, and 24/7 live support. You can purchase any plan on a month-to-month basis or save money by paying for an annual subscription.

Here’s a closer look at each plan’s unique features.

LifeLock Standard™

LifeLock’s entry-level package offers critical coverage for a reasonable price. Besides the basic features in all plans noted above, LifeLock Standard™ includes:

• Up to $25,000 in stolen funds reimbursement and personal expense compensation
• Up to $1 million in coverage for lawyers and other experts
• Single-bureau credit monitoring from Equifax
• Regular price: $11.99/mo. or $125/yr. (plus applicable sales tax)

LifeLock Standard™ review

If you have basic identity protection needs, LifeLock Standard™ is a great option. As with all of LifeLock’s plans, you’ll receive important identity alerts for suspicious activity using your name and Social Security number, as well as monitoring for any potential threats. If you have a limited amount of cash stowed away, this level of stolen funds protection may be more than enough. And, especially with ASR’s offer of 30% off your first year (terms apply), this is a highly affordable identity protection plan.

LifeLock Advantage™

LifeLock’s mid-tier plan offers a more comprehensive set of benefits for those who want a more complete protection package. LifeLock Advantage™ includes everything in the basic plan, plus the following:

• Up to $100,000 in stolen funds reimbursement and personal expense compensation
• Up to $1 million in coverage for lawyers and other experts
• Single-bureau credit monitoring plus monthly scores and reports from Equifax
• Credit, checking, and savings account activity alerts
• Alerts for any crimes committed in your name
• Fictitious identity monitoring
• Identity lock
• Phone takeover monitoring
• Regular price: $22.99/mo. or $240/yr. (plus applicable sales tax)

LifeLock Advantage™ review

If you’re looking for more robust identity protection, LifeLock Advantage™ is a great option. Considering the reasonable price point, it’s tough to find another product that compares in terms of the value you receive. The identity lock feature is an especially nice addition, as it allows you to freeze any activity using your identity if you’re concerned you may have been compromised. Plus, adding bank account monitoring and monthly credit reports makes it much easier to keep a steady eye on the most vulnerable aspects of your identity.

LifeLock Ultimate Plus™

For customers who want the most complete set of identity-monitoring features, LifeLock features a top-tier plan. LifeLock Ultimate Plus™ covers all of your identity bases by adding the following features to its Advantage plan:

• Up to $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement and personal expense compensation
• Three-bureau credit monitoring plus unlimited scores and reports from Equifax and annual reports from TransUnion and Experian
• Priority 24/7 live customer support
• Home title monitoring
• Alerts for checking and savings account applications in your name
• 401(k) and investment account activity alerts
• Bank account takeover alerts
• File-sharing network searches
• Sex offender registry reports
• Social media monitoring
• Regular price: $34.99/mo. or $340/yr. (plus applicable sales tax)

LifeLock Ultimate Plus™ review

LifeLock’s top plan provides some of the most comprehensive identity protection available on the market. With extensive stolen funds protection, complete three-bureau credit monitoring, and priority customer support, this plan makes it easy to stay on top of any red flags before they turn into serious problems. And with bonus features like home title monitoring and social media monitoring, LifeLock Ultimate Plus™ truly does provide a complete picture of your identity

The credit scores provided are VantageScore 3.0 credit scores based on data from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion respectively. Third parties use many different types of credit scores and are likely to use a different type of credit score to assess your creditworthiness.

LifeLock Junior™

Although it’s not actually a standalone plan, LifeLock Junior™ is worth mentioning as it’s an appealing product for families who want to include a child on their LifeLock plan. With a LifeLock Junior™ membership, you can add a minor to an existing LifeLock plan and extend your benefits to them. That way, you’ll get the same protection for your child that you have. This option starts at $5.99 per month for one child. If you have a larger family, consider upgrading your LifeLock plan to a family plan, which will add one adult and up to five children to your coverage. The LifeLock Standard™ plan for a family with kids, for example, is $36/mo.

LifeLock Customer Service Review

Disclosure: LifeLock, as well as other companies reviewed on ASR, compensate us for enrollments made through this site. There are many great identity theft protection providers and most of them compensate us for sales, therefore it doesn’t matter to us who you chose as long as you get the protection that’s best for you. Our reviews are completely unbiased and honest based on our expert opinion of the provided service.

Dealing with identity theft can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if there are real financial losses involved. Although the automated monitoring and alerts that come with an identity protection service are important, the customer service you receive may be even more critical for helping you navigate the process.

The good news is that LifeLock has a strong reputation in this area as well. Regardless of your plan level, you’ll have access to the LifeLock member portal and live customer support. Here’s a bit more on what you can expect and what users say about LifeLock’s member experience.

24/7 Live Support

One of LifeLock’s standout features is its U.S.-based live support, which all members can access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you simply have a question about an alert you receive or you need help with the next steps after someone uses your information, the LifeLock team is available anytime.

This is especially helpful with LifeLock’s lost-wallet protection, for instance. A stolen wallet can create enormous headaches. Not only do you need to freeze all your credit cards, but you also have to order new cards, get a new driver’s license, and recover any lost funds. LifeLock’s live support can help you with every step of the process, relieving a significant burden during a stressful time.

To contact LifeLock support, use your member portal. There, you can find answers to common questions and find options for chat or phone support.

LifeLock Member Portal

As a LifeLock member, you also have 24/7 access to your account through the LifeLock member portal. There, you can find all the information that’s included in your plan subscription (see Plans & Pricing for more information). Everything is accessible from one intuitive, easy-to-use dashboard.

Depending on your plan, your member portal may include tabs for various types of alerts, credit scores, and reports, as well as the option to add accounts you’d like to monitor. If you have access to Identity Lock, you can toggle it on and off via the member portal, as well. In the event that someone does steal or use your personal information, you can also use the member portal to start the restoration process.

The credit scores provided are VantageScore 3.0 credit scores based on data from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion respectively. Third parties use many different types of credit scores and are likely to use a different type of credit score to assess your creditworthiness.

LifeLock Member Experience

Based on many LifeLock reviews around the web, the company receives generally positive reviews from its members. Many users praise the variety of plans and available service options, along with Norton’s longstanding experience as a leader in information security. Its remediation services and protection levels are among the best in the industry.

Still, the company isn’t without its flaws. Some members have cited problems with the phone system for customer service, while others have noted some confusion over the plan levels and the services they were paying for.

More About LifeLock

Disclosure: LifeLock, as well as other companies reviewed on ASR, compensate us for enrollments made through this site. There are many great identity theft protection providers and most of them compensate us for sales, therefore it doesn’t matter to us who you chose as long as you get the protection that’s best for you. Our reviews are completely unbiased and honest based on our expert opinion of the provided service.

LifeLock was founded by Todd Davis and Robert Maynard in 2005. Although Maynard left the company amid controversy in 2007, LifeLock continued to evolve and grow its identity-protection services. The company eventually went public in 2012 and was later acquired by Symantec, the same company that owned Norton, in 2017. That began an ongoing relationship between those two products as two sides of a complete information-protection coin. The company eventually became known as NortonLifeLock and, later, Gen Digital Inc.

Investor Information

NASDAQ: Gen

LifeLock Initial Public Offering (IPO): October 3, 2012

LifeLock IPO Starting Price: $8.70 per share

Gen Digital share price (as of Feb. 15, 2023): $21.20 per share

LifeLock FAQs

What is LifeLock?

NortonLifeLock is an identity protection service that provides comprehensive monitoring and alert services for its members’ personal information. The service monitors sensitive personal data, such as Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and data breaches, and provides financial protection and support to help members recover from identity theft.

How much does LifeLock cost?

LifeLock offers three different plans, and you can purchase each of these for one adult, two adults, or a family of two adults and up to five children. Plans start at $12/mo., and each plan offers a discount for buying an annual subscription. You can also add individual children to an adult plan for $6/mo.

What is the best LifeLock plan?

Deciding on the best LifeLock plan depends on your level of exposure. If you don’t have a lot of cash on hand, don’t travel much, and are careful about where you share your personal information, you may find the basic LifeLock Standard™ plan sufficient for your needs. However, if you have substantial assets, numerous bank accounts, and many avenues through which your personal information could be at risk, you may want to opt for LifeLock Ultimate Plus™ for maximum peace of mind.

Will using LifeLock affect my credit score?

Using LifeLock does not affect your credit score. LifeLock doesn’t report financial information to credit bureaus, and checking your own credit score through a service like LifeLock doesn’t result in a hard credit inquiry that would ding your score.

Can LifeLock be trusted?

NortonLifeLock has been in the business of protecting consumer information for decades and has generally strong reviews for its services. The company ran into some trouble with the FTC from 2010–2015, but it has since worked to address those issues and improve its internal data protection systems.

How do I cancel my LifeLock account?

You can cancel your LifeLock account anytime via the online member portal. Simply sign into your account, select “Request Support” and then “Cancel” to submit a request to unsubscribe. If you cancel within 60 days of starting an annual subscription, you’ll receive a full refund. Otherwise, you may be eligible for a partial refund.

This site is not owned or operated by Symantec Corporation. and the contents of this site are either under the exclusive control of LifeLock.org or other third parties not under the control ofSymantec Corporation. Any representations contained in this site are those exclusively of the site owner and not Symantec Corporation, and Symantec Corporation is not responsible for the accuracy of any such representations. Symantec, the Symantec Logo, the Checkmark Logo, LifeLock, and the LockMan Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.