ExpressVPN Launches Identity Theft Protection Services

ExpressVPN has launched Identity Defender, a security bundle that helps protect users from identity theft, now available exclusively for US-based users. This suite, introduced on October 30, 2024, is included at no additional cost for new customers who subscribe to ExpressVPN’s 2-year plan, adding another layer of protection to the VPN’s existing features.

Lauren Hendry Parsons, Digital Privacy Advocate at ExpressVPN, emphasized the importance of the suite: “Discovering that your personal information has been compromised is stressful enough, but figuring out what to do next can be an even bigger challenge,” she said. “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.”

The Identity Defender suite offers three primary tools:

• ID Alerts: A real-time monitoring tool that scans the dark web for any exposed sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers. If data is detected or compromised, users receive instant alerts. ID Alerts also monitors for unauthorized address changes or mail redirection, empowering users to respond quickly if fraudulent activity is suspected.
• ID Theft Insurance: Offered in partnership with Assurant, this insurance provides up to $1 million in coverage for identity theft damages. The insurance helps cover costs associated with data breaches, stolen identities, check forgery, and embezzlement, among other incidents. ID Theft Insurance also financially assists users with the restoration of their stolen accounts.
• Data Removal: This feature scans data broker sites and people-search platforms to locate publicly-accessible user information. Data Removal then assists users in requesting the deletion of their data from these sites, reducing their digital footprint and minimizing the exposure of personal data.

The Identity Defender suite is currently only available to new US customers. The suite will gradually roll out to existing customers, with ID Alerts included for free in all subscription tiers. However, ID Theft Insurance and Data Removal are currently exclusive to the 2-year plan, which also comes with three extra months of service at no additional cost.

At launch, Identity Defender is only compatible with ExpressVPN’s iOS and Android apps, with additional platform support anticipated soon.

This announcement by ExpressVPN is the latest in a growing trend of VPN services adding valuable additional services to their offering. For example, NordVPN recently unveiled post-quantum encryption for its Linux apps. In June, NordVPN also released a free malware scanner to the general public.