The rise of viruses led to antivirus, and the rise of malware to internet security. The next extra app and service you get to look forward to could come from identity theft.
Everything costs money, and these days, it can feel like everything costs more money. You spend it on what you watch on TV, what you listen to on your phone, the apps you rely on, and so on and so on and so on.
It’s the age “everything-as-a-service”, and your device security is there, too. Why not have one more thing thrown in for good measure?
That “one more thing” appears to be focused on you as opposed to the devices you own. Specifically, it’s about your identity, because these days, your identity is perpetually at risk.
Whether it’s at risk because of you accidentally entered the wrong details at a fake government phishing site, or because of a breach that is completely out of your control, security makers are working with the idea of your identity as the next big app, and the makers of Norton, Avast, could have the first take on the idea.
It’s coming in a product called “Avast Secure Identity”, a standalone product distinct from the other Avast and Norton security apps with the focus on identity monitoring. That means monitoring your social media for compromised accounts and dodgy links, suspicious subscriptions, and important documents that might have been stolen, such as a driver’s license or credit cards.
It will even cover the dark web and provide identity theft insurance, sounding a little like Norton’s dark web monitoring from a few years ago, but made into a separate application.
As to whether anyone needs a standalone identity theft application is anyone’s guess. The importance may be there, even initially, but the use is likely limited for many people, particularly given the $99 yearly cost.
However, if you’re someone who is concerned about your identity, Avast’s Secure Identity could give you some peace of mind alongside the usual assortment of security solutions, which like this one, all cost extra.
