Using a VPN when you go online is one of the easiest ways to keep your online activity private, thanks to strong encryption and the replacement of your IP address. A quality VPN shields your browsing from third parties—but companies and criminals alike can employ other means of uncovering your personal details.
That’s why we keep expanding our online security and privacy tools, from our original VPN service to our Keys password manager, ad and tracker blockers, the Aircove line of routers, and much more.
Today, we are excited to introduce Identity Defender, a new suite of tools for our U.S.-based customers designed to give you more control over your personal information. Identity Defender comprises three products: ID Alerts, ID Theft Insurance, and Data Removal.
Depending on the ExpressVPN plan you select*, some or all of these new services are included for free, giving you incredible value and enhanced protection.
Data Removal
Companies like data brokers and people-search sites make your information their product. They gather data about you—such as through public records and online activities—bundle those details, then sell your profile for a profit. The data provided by these sites is used for targeted marketing and tasks like background checks.
In the process, they also rob you of something valuable: your privacy. The information sold by these sites could just as easily be used for identity theft, cyberattacks like phishing, unwanted robocalls, doxxing, and harassment.
Removing your data from these sites yourself can be a tedious and time-consuming process—you have to manually contact each site and keep checking to make sure your details are actually gone. That’s where our Data Removal service comes in.
Data Removal is all about convenience. The user only needs to input a few lines of personal information, and from there, our service does the heavy lifting:
- Search for data. We scour a wide range of data-broker and people-search sites for your information.
- Remove data. Our service submits removal or opt-out requests on your behalf to each site found to have your details.
- Ongoing monitoring. We continue to monitor the sites to see when the data is successfully taken down. If it reappears, we will resubmit the removal requests.
By reducing the visibility of your personal data, you will experience fewer junk calls and less spam, and you will lower your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft.
Data Removal is included for free with ExpressVPN’s new two-year offer. If you choose a different plan, you may add it for an additional fee during checkout.*
Just got Data Removal? Learn how to set it up.
ID Alerts
Discovering your credit card was used without permission is frustrating, but it can get much worse—imagine finding out someone took out a mortgage or a loan in your name.
Identity theft occurs when someone uses sensitive information, such as your Social Security number or bank account numbers, to impersonate you for financial gain or to conduct fraudulent activity.
Early warning is critical, and ID Alerts monitors data in key areas of the internet to let you know if there’s activity that puts you at higher risk for identity theft.
- Dark web monitoring: Scans the dark web for your personal information. Regular internet searches won’t uncover threats lurking on hidden sites and forums on the dark web. ID Alerts dives deep into the dark web to identify risks you wouldn’t easily find on your own. If your data does appear, you’ll know to take action, such as changing your password or freezing your credit.
- Social Security number monitoring: Alerts you when your SSN is used for loans, payments, employment, and other such activities. If you don’t recognize the activity as your own, you can take action to protect yourself.
- Change of address monitoring: Alerts when your home address has been changed with mail redirection. This is a method criminals might use to get access to your information and accounts.
Monitoring for unauthorized changes to your records and fraudulent use of your information could give you a valuable head start in recovering your identity.
ID Alerts is a free service to ExpressVPN users who have access to it.* Learn how to set up ID Alerts.
ID Theft Insurance**
Identity theft is enormously stressful for victims, and the recovery process can be costly and time-consuming. You could have had money stolen from you, you could find that you owe money you didn’t spend, and you might need to jump through hoops to prove that you are a victim and have your credit restored.
Through the arduous process of reclaiming your identity, ID Theft Insurance** lightens the load by reimbursing you for the expenses incurred during the process. The coverage is up to $1 million**.
If you purchase the one-year or two-year ExpressVPN offer, ID Theft Insurance is included for free. If you choose a shorter plan, you may add it for an additional fee during checkout.* If you have subscribed to ID Theft Insurance, learn how to set it up.
Privacy protection from more angles
Your personal data is valuable and worth protecting. Data theft has become an everyday threat, with corporations routinely reporting breaches and individuals frequently receiving phishing emails. Our new Identity Defender services, combined with ExpressVPN’s existing suite of security tools, provide you with comprehensive online protection.
Identity Defender is seamlessly integrated into the ExpressVPN iOS and Android apps and the My Account section of our website, allowing for a quick and easy setup process in minutes—no complicated settings or additional apps required.
ExpressVPN users can also access the following services and features via the Upgrades tab on their mobile apps:
- Keys password manager (free to all users)
- Ad blocker (free to all users)
- Tracker blocker (free to all users)
- Adult-site blocker (free to all users)
- Dedicated IP
*We are rolling out all Identity Defender services gradually, and the first to have access are new U.S. users. Existing ExpressVPN users in the U.S. (who signed up before Oct. 28, 2024) do not yet have access to the services, but we will be making them available to them soon. Rollout for other regions will be confirmed later.
**The insurance is underwritten and administered by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, an Assurant company, under group or blanket policies issued to Array US Inc, or its respective affiliates for the benefit of its Members. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. Review the Summary of Benefits.
