Between 2021 and 2022, losses associated with identity theft and other fraudulent activities increased significantly by 30 percent.
While safeguarding oneself from becoming a victim of these statistics may seem daunting, it is certainly not insurmountable.
Daily, countless threats to your identity lurk across the internet, email, smartphones, and various channels.
Aura pricing
To safeguard your identity, consider utilizing anidentity theft protectionservice like Aura.
This service relentlessly monitors your information and its digital footprint.
Aura distinguishes itself by providing a comprehensive package for identity protection and online security across all its plans.
Aura pricing
Its plans are flexible to cater to different household sizes, including individuals, couples, and families.
The company’s recent update to its software and offering suite presents an opportunity for a comprehensive review.
Choosing an annual contract over a month-to-month contract results in substantial savings.
Aura pricing
To determine the value of the plans, customers can take advantage of the 14-day free trial.
Furthermore, all pricing options offered by Aura are competitive within the industry.
Regarding features, the Individual and Couple plans offer similar coverage.
Credit score and credit lock features
Consider the Individual plan’s features and multiply them by two for the Couple plan.
The Family plan, however, provides the most value.
It extends coverage to a maximum of five adults, each enjoying all the features of the Individual plan.
Uniquely, the Family plan includes child SSN monitoring to safeguard any children in the household.
This protection extends to an unlimited number of children as long as they reside with you.
Additionally, the Family plan offers exclusive digital safety features not available in the Individual or Couple plans.
Data broker removal feature
These features cater specifically to families.
For example,parental control softwareallows parents to monitor and manage their children’s internet usage and devices.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each subscription plan.
Title monitoring features
In terms of pricing, Aura’s family plan exceeds the industry average.
However, it provides more features than a standard family identity protection plan.
Panda Dome Premium, on the other hand, charges $75 annually.
Documents in Vault
During the sign-up process for Aura, you’ll provide your payment details.
Auto-charging will occur either monthly or annually, based on your selected payment option.
This applies even if you opted for the 14-day trial period.
Aura’s call protection feature
To begin your Aura journey, select a plan that suits your needs and click ‘Start Free Trial.’
You’ll be prompted to drop your email address.
Next, we’ll need some basic personal information to create your account.
Ensure accuracy, as this information will be used to generate personalized results.
Confirm your chosen pricing plan and proceed to payment using your credit card or PayPal.
A verification code will be sent to your email.
Easy installation across devices
Enter it into the designated field to continue.
Next, initiate the Aura setup scan, which begins with a dark web check.
Afterward, activate privacy protection.
Content filtering features
Once enabled, complete the safety checklist by turning on credit, financial, and identity protection services.
Features
In terms of identity protection,credit monitoringplays a crucial role.
Aura Credit Monitoring offers a comprehensive solution that combines primary identity protection and secondary credit monitoring.
Parental control dynamic screen
This service empowers users to conveniently lock their credit directly from the Aura dashboard without contacting Experian.
Additionally, Aura provides a detailed graph of your credit score, explaining the factors that influence it.
It offers suggestions for improving your score, such as reducing balances and resolving identified issues.
Aura antivirus
Aura distinguishes itself from other credit reporting companies by offering free annual credit reports.
However, Aura’s services extend beyond credit monitoring.
It also enables users to monitor their investment and bank accounts.
Online security features
Set parameters for account monitoring to promptly address any unauthorized transactions.
To add more accounts, click “Add More” and enter their details.
Aura partners with Plaid to verify your accounts.
Password storage
Log into your account through Plaid to complete the verification process.
It’s important to note that Aura doesn’t block these transactions but sends you notifications whenever they occur.
it’s possible for you to set a threshold amount to trigger transaction alerts.
This coverage amount has become an industry standard, and Aura adheres to it.
Instead, individuals can seek reimbursement for incurred costs upon providing proof of their losses.
The reimbursement amount will be equivalent to the documented losses or costs.
Aura offers a 24/7 customer service team for assistance in situations involving suspected identity theft or additional inquiries.
If identity theft occurs, Aura deploys its White Glove Fraud Resolution team based in the United States.
This team collaborates with the affected customer to develop a plan for restoring their identity and resolving the issues.
The Family plan extends protection to your children’s Social Security numbers through basic monitoring.
Aura’s impressive dark web monitoring goes beyond online searches.
Additionally, it safeguards against tax refund fraud.
It can even request the removal of your data from these sources.
For added security, the Safe Browsing extension allows you to browse the web without leaving a digital trace.
Aura’s alerts keep users informed about identified issues.
Alerts are categorized for quick overviews and protection tips.
Aura’s alerts include those related to its requests to Data Brokers on the user’s behalf.
Aura simplifies this process, making it easier for users to locate and remove their data.
To monitor progress, visit the “Vault” and pick the “Data Broker Removal” section.
This proactive approach ensures ongoing protection for the user’s personal information.
It is essential to review this information regularly to spot irregularities that might indicate attempted identity theft.
To access these documents, pick the “Vault” tab on the page’s top section.
Then, choose “Home and Property” from the menu.
Aura also monitors the sex offender registry and alerts you of any changes concerning your home address.
This means you’ll be notified if a known sex offender moves into your neighborhood.
For securedocument storage, Aura’s Vault offers a convenient solution.
Simply scan or photograph your documents and upload them to the encrypted vault.
A search function helps you quickly locate files.
The Vault’s Personal Data section provides a secure space for identity and health-related information.
Aura also monitors the internet for any compromises or misuse of this information.
To access or add items, tap the ‘Vault’ tab, then select ‘Personal Data.’
Modify existing data or add new items using the plus sign icon.
The search bar helps you navigate your stored documents.
Aura’s customer service phone number will be provided, offering assistance in managing the situation.
Additionally, a list of recommended steps is available for your convenience.
It effectively blocks vishing attacks and allows you to listen to transcribed voice messages before answering unfamiliar calls.
This prevents you from missing important appointments or deliveries.
It identifies spam and scam calls, including those related to deliveries and appointments.
Aura’s call protection features go beyond the Call Assistant.
It uses layered screening to protect against calls and expensive phone scams.
The SMS protection feature filters out unwanted texts and directs them to a junk folder.
Additionally, Aura verifies links in text messages for malware or phishing threats.
If you’re on an individual or couple plan, you may need to contact customer service for activation.
The app’s design prioritizes quick setup and ease of use.
With the app, parents gain comprehensive control over equipment usage within their household.
Additionally, the app offers impressive alerts that notify parents of instances of cyberbullying or dangerous encounters in gaming.
The secure gaming features are powered by Kidas, a startup with which Aura has a strategic partnership.
This feature sets Aura apart from many other ID protection solutions on the market.
you might block inappropriate news sites, influencers onYouTube, and more.
Additionally, you’re able to allow your child to access certain content for a limited time.
After the time expires, the content will be automatically blocked.
However, any subsequent activity on that streaming app will be blocked on the internet level.
In the meantime, the option to pause the internet can serve as a partial substitute for live tracking.
Aura has introduced a new feature, called the Dynamic Dashboard, to its parental control app.
Finally, the latest update includes enhancements to the already useful content filtering options.
This practice can make your account vulnerable if someone else uses your box and the login credentials automatically populate.
Moreover, if your password is compromised, without 2FA, you could be locked out of your account.
Concealing them behind a menu and requiring additional clicks diminishes their usefulness.
Additionally, the home screen does not showcase dark-web monitoring, another essential feature that should be prominently featured.
Nevertheless, compared to other products in this market, Aura’s interface remains superior based on our preferences.
Recently, Aura underwent a design update, significantly improving its functionality compared to the previous version.
Additionally, the admin web interface offers a summary of various features, along with recommendations for enhancing protection.
Over time, users become familiar with the menu structure, making navigation seamless.
Other features, such as VPN and dark web monitoring, are presented as bonus offerings.
Whether this approach is suitable depends on individual preferences.
Regarding performance, we used Aura through Chrome and Edge browsers.
We encountered no lags, issues, or sudden session interruptions in either internet tool.
Aura includes a security feature that automatically logs users out after a few minutes of inactivity.
The desktop tool for Aura Antivirus, VPN, and Safe Gaming will be discussed in the following sections.
In terms of design, the software adheres to modern software architecture principles and features a straightforward layout.
Aura’smalware scannerperforms on par with competitors, allowing for on-demand scans and real-time malware detection.
A unique feature of Aura’s solution is the Smart web connection feature.
Leveraging AI, it aims to identify and block emerging threats.
This feature goes beyond basic blocking by referencing known risky site lists.
However, there’s a machine learning aspect to the list.
Aura’s model analyzes browsing habits, searching for signs of phishing or malware on websites.
This analysis is then scored, and the list is updated with newly detected sites.
Moreover, Aura claims that its protection operates at the data pipe level to provide greater coverage and accuracy.
This approach helps safeguard users from risky domains before they become widely known as potential threats.
Aura’s antivirus software lacks scores from Independent Antivirus Labs, which is generally not a positive indication.
In terms of the software’s user interface, Aura presents an underwhelming experience.
The interface consists of a plain white screen accompanied by a rail menu on the left side.
This menu provides access to controls, the home screen, and various scan options.
When a scan is initiated, a scan progress window is displayed, indicating the percentage of completion.
However, this percentage can sometimes be misleading.
In other cases, it functions as expected.
It is unclear whether this behavior is a bug or an intended feature of the scan progress window.
Additionally, using Aura’santivirus on a Maccan lead to a disappointing user interface (UI) experience.
Some essential icons and prefs, such as the “Auto-scan” option, appear to be missing.
This limits users to performing only Quick or Custom scans, depriving them of real-time protection.
Nonetheless, the overall impression of Aura’s antivirus on a Mac is not particularly remarkable.
Aura provides a comprehensive security solution for mobile devices.
For Android, it offers a single app that combines an identity and privacy manager with an antivirus scanner.
Unlike most Android security products, Aura lacks anti-theft features.
Instead, the Aura app focuses on providing a VPN, password manager, and other security components.
When it comes to defending against phishing scams, Aura utilizes Safe Browsing through a web extension.
It is important to note that Aura primarily relies on a blacklist approach, similar to most antivirus solutions.
VPN
Aura includes aVPNin its suite.
The Online Security feature can only be turned on or off.
Split tunneling, which allows certain traffic to bypass the encrypted VPN connection, is not available.
It’s available as a surfing app extension for majorbrowsersand an iOS/Android app.
Your Aura sign-up password (master password) will also be the master password for the password manager.
To ensure security, use a long, strong password.
When it comes to password managers, simplicity is paramount, similar to antivirus and VPN services.
However, this simplicity may not be universally advantageous.
The recent password manager update and its integration with the Vault functionality now provide automated auto-filling options.
This manual process is now obsolete, aligning with modern password management best practices.
This one-click solution offers significant benefits.
With Aura, you’re alerted to breaches and can easily update all credentials with a single click.
The Vault automatically updates your new credentials for auto-filling across websites.
Customer support
Aura’s enhanced presentation has significantly improved their exceptional customer service.
Now, customers can easily access support through various channels on almost every screen.
The company offers 24/7 phone support, email, and live chat options, ensuring prompt resolution of queries.
This comprehensive customer support framework ensures quick and convenient assistance whenever needed.
This aspect sets Aura apart for its innovative approach to customer support.
In contrast, Aura’s 24/7 phone support is exceptional.
You won’t encounter long wait times or be transferred between multiple departments to resolve your issue.
Undoubtedly, “self-help” resources are available in the form of detailed documents and comprehensive articles.
Firstly, the volume of emails received from Aura has notably decreased, which we believe is beneficial.
Previously, most emails were marketing-oriented, with limited practical content.
However, the current emails from Aura are more relevant and valuable.
However, LifeLock’s accuracy is lacking.
Aura detected more alerts on the dark web and compromised passwords than LifeLock.
Additionally, LifeLock took 24 hours to populate alerts (compared to Aura’s same-day notifications).
IDShield offers unique advantages over other identity theft protection services.
Its identity restoration service, provided by licensed private investigators, is backed by an identity restoration guarantee.
Despite these features, our experience with IDShield was hindered by a confusing signup process and inaccurate alerts.
It also includes a credit score tracker that helps you monitor your progress over time.
The platform features an updated graph that displays your credit score and provides personalized suggestions for improvement.
At your request, Aura can assist you in removing your data from these sources.
Notifications can be conveniently delivered to you via email or SMS, according to your communication preferences.
Additionally, Aura offers a Safe Browsing extension that enhances your web browsing security.
Aura Credit Monitoring provides a holistic package that safeguards your identity across multiple channels.
Aura’s pricing structure features three tiers: individual, couples, and family.
The comprehensive features and well-thought-out pricing tiers make Aura a compelling choice for those seeking identity theft protection services.
The recent design update has made accessing necessary information more convenient, with just a few clicks needed.
Aura’s focus is primarily on identity theft-related matters, with bonus features requiring a bit more navigation.
However, the intuitive interface and well-organized content make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
With flexible pricing plans and thorough protection, you might’t go wrong with Aura.
However, the ultimate choice should be based on your individual needs and budget considerations.
FAQ
Do I really need identity theft protection?
Many ID theft protection services, like Aura, provide mechanisms for freezing your credit.
It’s essential to understand that there is a misconception surrounding how identity theft protection services operate.
Simply enrolling in these services does not guarantee immunity from identity theft.
Therefore, it remains crucial for you to actively take measures to safeguard yourself.
On average, Identity theft protection companies offer three services.
The first one involves monitoring your credit and promptly notifying you if any suspicious activity is detected.
This includes things like the opening of accounts or credit inquiries made in your name.
This way, you might quickly take action and protect yourself.
The second service focuses on alerts.
The third service provided by these companies is recovery assistance.
Additionally, many of these companies offer insurance policies that cover losses of up to $1 million.
Something individuals cannot effectively do on their own.
Will Aura sell your data?
Aura utilizes user information for a range of purposes.
This involves analyzing data related to usage and service duration to guarantee users receive the services.
Additionally, they employ user information to identify security risks by monitoring threats and unit data.
In terms of billing and payment administration, Aura relies on user information for processing in this area.
Occasionally, they may share details about their services as well.
Furthermore, Aura uses the user information to operate its services while continuously enhancing them.
This includes notifying users about changes in terms or privacy policies as part of their commitment to transparency.
They also conduct research aimed at improving their ability to detect issues while analyzing usage patterns and user engagement.
Moreover, Aura employs the collected data for measurement, research, and analytics purposes.
Through this analysis, they strive to develop services that align with the preferences expressed by users.
It is important to note that personal information is not utilized for third-party advertising.
Such data serves objectives across various areas, including security measures aimed at preventing fraud or abuse.
They also verify to exercise their rights and settle any conflicts by utilizing this data.
Is Aura generally safe to use?
Aura is generally regarded as a safe option.
However, if you have concerns about your privacy, it’s important to take some factors into account.
In addition to their identity theft protection service, Aura also offers a VPN service.
However, there’s more.
Furthermore, the company has a policy of not collecting any records of your activities.
Considering all aspects, Aura remains a secure provider with no flaws in its track record.
Is Aura worth the money?
It will depend on your personal needs first and foremost.
What sets Aura apart from its competitors are its plans that come with extra features.
Its pricing for the family and couple tiers is also reasonable.
Unlike some other providers, Aura does not offer an extremely low-priced tier with limited features.
This is actually advantageous because such low-cost tiers often lack usefulness.
In contrast, Aura’s pricing tiers offer a feature set that provides solid value for customers.
