BreachWatch vs LifeLock: Comparing Dark Web Monitoring Tools

The main differences between BreachWatch® and LifeLock are the type of protection they offer, the cost of each solution and the features they have. Continue reading to learn how BreachWatch and LifeLock compare, and how to choose the right dark web monitoring solution for yourself. 

What Is BreachWatch?

BreachWatch is a dark web monitoring add-on service that works in conjunction with Keeper Password Manager – a solution that helps you manage and securely store your passwords and sensitive data. BreachWatch acts as your first line of defense against identity theft since it helps you protect your online accounts from being compromised. 

BreachWatch works by constantly scanning the dark web for credentials that match the ones stored in your Keeper Vault, while maintaining zero-knowledge security. When BreachWatch detects one of your credentials on the dark web, it immediately notifies you by sending a dark web alert and the record stored in your vault will show as high-risk until you update your password to one that is strong and unique. 

What Is LifeLock?

LifeLock, often referred to as NortonLifeLock, is an identity theft software that offers three different plans for identity theft protection. LifeLock’s most standard plan offers alerts for your Social Security Number, birthdate, address, phone number and bank account. It also offers credit monitoring through one bureau. If you want all three credit bureaus monitored, it costs extra since it’s only offered in their Ultimate Plus plan and only if you pay annually. 

BreachWatch vs LifeLock: What’s the Difference?

Here are the differences between BreachWatch and LifeLock.

Protection

BreachWatch and LifeLock offer different types of protection. BreachWatch’s main goal is to protect your online accounts from being compromised. When your credentials are found on the dark web, BreachWatch will immediately notify you so you can change your passwords right away. BreachWatch helps protect you against cybercriminals on the dark web since no one will be able to access your most valuable Personally Identifiable Information (PII) if your accounts are secured. 

LifeLock’s goal is to help you keep track of your personal information such as your Social Security Number and your credit. Depending on the LifeLock plan you choose, the protections it offers vary. For example, if you want home title monitoring and social media monitoring, these protections are only offered in their Ultimate Plus plan. The more personal information you want to keep track of, the more it’ll cost you with LifeLock.

Cost

BreachWatch is an add-on that you purchase with your password management subscription. If you have a Keeper Unlimited plan or a family plan, BreachWatch is available for $19.99 per year with Keeper Unlimited or $39.99 per year with Keeper Family and both include unlimited scans on unlimited devices. A Keeper Unlimited plan is $2.92 a month, billed annually at $35 and the Keeper Family plan is $6.52 a month, billed annually at $75. 

LifeLock has three different plans with different pricing. LifeLock’s individual plans range from $11.99 to $34.99 a month and $124.99 to $339.99 a year. LifeLock’s family plans range from $23.99 to $79.99 a month and $249.99 to $799.99 a year. 

Features

Because BreachWatch is an add-on to Keeper Password Manager, you’ll also have password management features. A password manager aids you in creating, managing and securely storing your passwords. This means you won’t have to remember them all on your own; the only password you’ll need to remember is your master password. 

As mentioned previously, LifeLock offers different features based on the plan chosen. All of LifeLock’s plans offer identity, social security and credit monitoring for one bureau. Additional features like phone takeover monitoring are also available, but come at an extra cost. 

Choosing the Right Solution For You

Now that you know the differences between LifeLock and BreachWatch, it’s time to learn how to choose the right solution that fits your needs. Two of the things you need to take into account when choosing a dark web monitoring solution are affordability and features. 

Affordability

If you’re looking for a dark web monitoring solution that is affordable, consider that LifeLock is pricier than BreachWatch, especially if you want additional features. It’s also important to consider that there are free credit and identity monitoring tools available such as those offered by Credit Karma and Experian. This means you don’t have to pay a price to monitor your credit, because there are free solutions available. 

Features

When it comes to features, you should make sure that you’re only paying for the ones you truly need and are going to use. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself when choosing a dark web monitoring solution:

• What do I want to monitor? 
• Can I get what I want with a free solution?
• Do I only want to protect my credentials?

After asking yourself these questions, you’ll have a better understanding of which solution is right for you. Doing more research may also give you a better understanding of the solution you should be using to protect your identity. 

Why BreachWatch Is a Better Option Than LifeLock

While both monitoring tools are useful, BreachWatch could be the right option for you if you want to catch cybercriminals before they gain access to your personal information like your credit card and Social Security Number. Login credentials are your first line of defense against cybercriminals, so protecting your passwords is crucial to keeping all of your personal information safe.

BreachWatch constantly scans the dark web for credentials that match the ones stored in your Keeper Vault. When your credentials are found on the dark web you’ll be notified immediately so you can take action right away by changing your password. This prevents a cybercriminal from being able to compromise your account and getting away with sensitive information which they can then use to steal your identity. 

Protect Your Identity With Dark Web Monitoring

To protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft, the first step you should take is to secure your accounts with strong, unique passwords. Your accounts contain all kinds of sensitive information that cybercriminals would love to get their hands on because they can use it to steal your money and identity. 

Having strong passwords for your accounts is not the only step you should take, you should also invest in a dark web monitoring solution to ensure that your accounts always remain protected through dark web alerts. 

Start a free 30-day trial of Keeper Password Manager today to begin securing your accounts against cybercriminals. For additional protection, purchase BreachWatch as a secure add-on to protect your online identity.