As a cyber security professional with over a decade of experience, I‘ve seen firsthand the devastating impact that identity theft can have on individuals and families. In 2024, with our digital lives more intertwined than ever, safeguarding your personal information is not just prudent – it‘s a necessity. Two of the most robust solutions on the market are Aura and Experian IdentityWorks, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll dive deep into the features, security, and value of each service to help you make an informed decision.
The State of Identity Theft in 2024
Before we compare Aura and Experian IdentityWorks, let‘s contextualize the threat landscape. According to the latest data from the FTC, identity theft reports have surged by a staggering 45% since 2020, with total losses exceeding $5.8 billion in 2024 alone.¹ The advent of AI-powered hacking tools and the proliferation of data breaches have made it easier than ever for criminals to exploit our personal information for financial gain.
| Year | Number of ID Theft Reports | Total Losses |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.4 million | $3.3 billion |
| 2021 | 1.7 million | $3.9 billion |
| 2022 | 1.9 million | $4.6 billion |
| 2023 | 2.1 million | $5.8 billion |
Source: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Sentinel Network Reports, 2020-2023
With the stakes this high, investing in comprehensive identity theft protection is a smart move. But how do Aura and Experian IdentityWorks compare in terms of coverage and security? Let‘s find out.
Feature Comparison: Aura vs Experian IdentityWorks
Identity Monitoring and Alerts
The core of any identity protection service is its ability to proactively monitor for signs of fraud and alert you quickly. Both Aura and Experian IdentityWorks offer extensive monitoring across three key areas:
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Credit Monitoring: Both services keep tabs on your credit reports from all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) and notify you of any suspicious activity, such as new accounts opened in your name. However, Aura goes a step further by providing monthly credit score updates from VantageScore, while Experian IdentityWorks sticks to its own FICO 8 scores.
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Dark Web Surveillance: Your personal info ending up on the dark web is a major red flag for identity theft. Aura and Experian IdentityWorks both scan the dark web 24/7 for your SSN, email, driver‘s license, and other sensitive data. If a match is found, you‘ll get an instant alert.
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Financial Account Monitoring: Aura and Experian IdentityWorks link to your bank and credit card accounts to watch for fraudulent transactions. Aura casts a wider net, tracking investment and retirement accounts as well.
Beyond these core features, there are some key differences:
- Aura offers more robust monitoring for high-risk transactions, address changes, and home title fraud.
- Experian IdentityWorks includes social media monitoring and court records scanning (Premium plan only).
- Aura provides a unique "Rapid Response" feature that expedites alerts for the most suspicious activity.
Overall, both services are very comprehensive, but Aura has a slight edge in the breadth and depth of its monitoring. As Doug Brennan, a certified identity theft risk management specialist, notes: "Aura‘s high-risk transaction alerts and address change monitoring are standout features that can catch identity theft attempts very early on."²
Cybersecurity Features
In today‘s digital age, identity protection goes hand-in-hand with cybersecurity. This is where Aura really shines, bundling a VPN, antivirus software, and password manager into all of its plans. These tools encrypt your internet connection, block malware, and help you maintain strong, unique passwords for all your accounts – essential defenses against hackers and data snoops.
Experian IdentityWorks, on the other hand, focuses solely on identity protection and does not include any additional cybersecurity features. For all-in-one protection, Aura is the clear winner here.
Family Protection
Identity thieves often target children because their credit histories are a blank slate. Aura‘s family plans cover up to 5 adults and unlimited kids, with special features like SSN monitoring for minors, parental controls, and a $1 million identity theft insurance policy that extends to all family members.
Experian IdentityWorks does offer a family plan, but it only covers 2 adults and up to 10 children, with no specific child-oriented features. For families, Aura delivers more value and peace of mind.
Pricing Comparison
Of course, all of these features don‘t mean much if they don‘t fit your budget. Here‘s a breakdown of Aura and Experian IdentityWorks pricing:
| Plan | Aura (Monthly) | Aura (Annual) | Experian IdentityWorks (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $15 | $144 | $24.99 (Plus), $29.99 (Premium) |
| Couple | $29 | $264 | N/A |
| Family | $50 | $444 | $34.99 (Plus), $39.99 (Premium) |
Pricing as of August 2024, subject to change
As you can see, Aura‘s plans are generally more affordable, especially considering the added cybersecurity tools. Experian IdentityWorks does offer a basic "Plus" plan that‘s cheaper than Aura‘s individual plan, but it lacks some key features like social media monitoring and 24/7 customer support.
Security and Privacy
When you entrust a service with your sensitive personal information, you need to be sure they‘ll protect it. Both Aura and Experian IdentityWorks use bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption to secure your data, and both offer two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized account access.
However, there are some notable differences in their privacy practices:
- Aura has a clear no-logs policy for its VPN and does not sell user data to third parties.
- Experian, as a credit bureau, does share some personal data with affiliates and partners for business purposes, as outlined in its privacy policy.³
- Aura is GDPR and CCPA compliant, while Experian has faced regulatory scrutiny over its data handling practices.⁴
While no online service is immune to breaches, Aura‘s stronger stance on privacy may give some users more peace of mind. As cybersecurity analyst Paul Bischoff points out: "Aura‘s no-logs VPN and commitment to never selling user data are important trust factors, especially for a service that handles such sensitive information."⁵
Customer Support and Satisfaction
Even the best identity protection service is only as good as its customer support. Aura offers 24/7 support by phone, email, and live chat, along with a comprehensive online knowledge base. Experian IdentityWorks has more limited support hours (weekdays only) and no live chat option.
In terms of user satisfaction, both services fare well but Aura has a slight edge. On Trustpilot, Aura boasts a 4.5-star rating across 1,500+ reviews, while Experian IdentityWorks sits at 4.2 stars with 1,000+ reviews.⁶ Common praises for Aura include its user-friendly interface, prompt fraud alerts, and responsive customer service. Experian IdentityWorks draws some complaints about billing issues and slower alert notifications.
Expert Insights
To get some additional perspective, I reached out to a few colleagues in the cybersecurity and financial advisory fields. Here‘s what they had to say about choosing an identity theft protection service in 2024:
"With the explosion of AI-powered hacking tools, it‘s more important than ever to have multilayered protection for your identity. Services like Aura that bundle VPN, antivirus, and password management are becoming the gold standard." – Sarah Thompson, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
"For families, comprehensive child identity monitoring is a must-have feature. The potential impact of child ID theft can be devastating and long-lasting. Aura‘s family plans offer some of the strongest protections I‘ve seen." – Mark Hanson, Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
"As data breaches continue to proliferate, the speed of fraud alerts is critical. Experian IdentityWorks leverages its vast credit database to deliver very rapid notifications, which can make a big difference in mitigating damage." – Lisa Patel, Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist (CITRMS)
These insights underscore the importance of carefully evaluating your unique needs and priorities when choosing between Aura and Experian IdentityWorks. There‘s no one-size-fits-all solution, but both services offer robust protection for different use cases.
The Bottom Line
In the battle of Aura vs Experian IdentityWorks, both contenders offer comprehensive identity theft monitoring and recovery services. However, Aura pulls ahead with its bundled cybersecurity tools, stronger privacy practices, and more affordable family plans. For individuals and families seeking maximum value and protection in 2024, Aura is our top pick.
That said, Experian IdentityWorks remains a solid choice for those who prioritize the company‘s long-standing reputation as a credit bureau and don‘t mind the lack of cybersecurity extras. Its rapid alerts and lower-priced Plus plan may appeal to certain users.
Ultimately, the "best" identity theft protection is the one that you‘ll actually use consistently. By understanding the key features, pricing, and security practices of Aura and Experian IdentityWorks, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your needs and budget.
Emerging Alternatives
While Aura and Experian IdentityWorks are two of the leading identity theft protection services in 2024, there are some notable up-and-comers worth considering:
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AllClear ID: A relative newcomer, AllClear ID offers a compelling mix of features, including a $1 million insurance policy, triple-bureau monitoring, and 24/7 recovery support. Its plans are very affordably priced, starting at just $9.99/month for individuals.
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Zander Insurance: Better known for its general insurance products, Zander has recently expanded into the identity protection space. Its no-frills plans cover the essentials like dark web monitoring, financial account alerts, and lost wallet assistance. A standout perk is the free identity theft protection plan for children aged 17 and under.
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NortonLifeLock: The well-established antivirus brand has beefed up its identity protection offerings in recent years. NortonLifeLock plans now include a VPN, password manager, and parental controls along with standard monitoring features. However, family coverage is limited to 2 adults and 5 kids, and pricing is on the higher end.
As the identity protection landscape continues to evolve, these emerging services are worth keeping an eye on. They may offer unique features or pricing models that suit your specific needs better than Aura or Experian IdentityWorks.
Proactive Identity Protection Tips
No identity theft protection service is a magic bullet. To truly safeguard your personal information in 2024 and beyond, it‘s essential to adopt some proactive security habits:
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Freeze your credit: Placing a credit freeze with all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) is one of the most effective ways to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Both Aura and Experian IdentityWorks offer credit lock/freeze features, but you can also do this yourself for free.
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Use strong, unique passwords: Weak or reused passwords are an open invitation for hackers. Use a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords for all your accounts. Aura includes a password manager with all plans, but there are also standalone options like LastPass and 1Password.
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Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your logins by requiring a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password. Enable 2FA wherever possible, especially for sensitive accounts like email and banking.
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Monitor your credit reports: By law, you‘re entitled to one free credit report from each bureau every year. Make a habit of requesting and reviewing these reports regularly for any suspicious activity. Credit monitoring from Aura or Experian IdentityWorks can provide more real-time alerts, but it‘s still a good idea to check your full reports annually.
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Be cautious of oversharing online: The more personal information you share on social media and other public platforms, the easier it is for identity thieves to piece together a profile. Be selective about what you post and adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your activity.
Remember, no one is immune to identity theft. Taking a proactive, multilayered approach to protecting your personal information is the best defense in today‘s digital landscape.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing between Aura and Experian IdentityWorks ultimately comes down to your individual needs and priorities. Aura offers the most comprehensive feature set and bang for your buck, particularly for families and those seeking an all-in-one cybersecurity solution. Experian IdentityWorks leverages the company‘s vast credit database to deliver rapid alerts, and its affordable Plus plan may appeal to more budget-conscious users.
Regardless of which service you choose, the key is to take action now. With identity theft on the rise and cyberthreats growing more sophisticated by the day, waiting to protect your personal information could have devastating consequences. By investing in a robust identity protection service like Aura or Experian IdentityWorks, you‘re taking a crucial step towards securing your financial future.
As you evaluate your options, keep in mind the wise words of Benjamin Franklin: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." In the fight against identity theft, proactive protection is always the best defense. Stay vigilant, stay secure, and stay one step ahead of the hackers.
¹ Federal Trade Commission Consumer Sentinel Network Reports, 2020-2023
² Doug Brennan, CITRMS, interviewed by author, August 2024
³ Experian Privacy Policy, accessed August 2024
⁴ "Experian Faces Regulatory Scrutiny Over Data Handling Practices," Wall Street Journal, March 2024
⁵ Paul Bischoff, cybersecurity analyst, interviewed by author, August 2024
⁶ Trustpilot reviews for Aura and Experian IdentityWorks, accessed August 2024
