(Credit: ExpressVPN)
Has your personal information been leaked online because of a data breach? You don't have to feel quite so powerless over the situation; there are things you can do to stay aware when your personal information is used and report any fraud if it happens.
ExpressVPN is launching Identity Defender, which contains three new services for those concerned about their personal information: ID Alerts, ID Theft Insurance, and Data Removal. But first, it's not a bad idea to see if your email address or personal information has been exposed by checking on a site like HaveIBeenPwned as a starting point. After that, you can decide whether to take action.
"Discovering that your personal information has been compromised is stressful enough, but figuring out what to do next can be an even bigger challenge. With Identity Defender, we aim 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," says Lauren Hendry Parsons, Digital Privacy Advocate for ExpressVPN, in a statement.
ExpressVPN's ID Alerts will scan the dark web for any personal information. It'll also alert you when your Social Security number is used for loans, employment, payments, or other filings or services and will let you know if your address is changed or a mail redirect service is set up.
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ID Theft Insurance for US users of the VPN service gives you financial protection in the event of identity fraud up to $1 million. This insurance is free if you get a one- or two-year ExpressVPN subscription, but it costs $7.99 a month if you don't.
ExpressVPN's Data Removal service promises to delete your personal data from data broker and people-search sites across the web and is currently available to existing ExpressVPN users. Using this service could reduce the amount of spam calls, texts, emails, and mail you get going forward.
For now, all new US-based ExpressVPN users will get access to the new features immediately, with support for US users who signed up before Oct. 28 to come soon. The company plans to roll ID Alerts out to more countries in the future, as well.
These Identity Defender tools can be accessed via ExpressVPN's Android and iOS apps, with more platforms to be offered in the future.