LifeLock: Any Customer Feedback here? Are they themselves a target?

[Snowdog]

Last month, my PayPal account went into lock-down and I had to update some security questions before I could use it again.  A few days ago, my bank/debit card did the same thing.  The bank told me that my account was one of several that was charged with a suspicious "donation".  After a few minutes on the phone, I was able to regain access to my account and the unauthorized donation was deleted.

Yesterday, I received a call from an agent from a dealership who was responding to an internet request for information on one of their vehicles (a rather pricey Lincoln)... from me.   

So tonight, I signed myself and my wife up for Lifelock.   $23 a month (after NRA membership discount) isn't excessive for peace of mind, but it does upset me that I have to pay this to protect my credit from thieves. 

Has anyone here had any experience with this company?  My primary concern is with organizations such as Anonymous and lulzsec, could they themselves be the target of a hack attempt?  How likely is it that the sensitive information of thousands could be compromised by such an attack?   

[K Frame]

I investigated Lifelock, and from what I read, it is not what it is claimed to be.

Supposedly the owner? Who gives his social security number out over the air? Has had his identity stolen multiple times, and was even forced to get a new social security number because of it.

What most people don't know is that most services that Lifelock provides for a fee are available to people free of charge if they do it themselves.

Good article from wired.

Couple of years old, but it hits the salient points: http://www.wired.com/politics/security/commentary/securitymatters/2008/06/securitymatters_0612

[Northwoods]

The biggest pain with ID theft is the time it takes to clean up the mess.  Regarless of what Lifelock and other similar companies claim, you don't need insurance to cover the fraud as you don't owe any of the money.  Merchants and others defrauded will try to get it, but they don't have a legal claim to your money.

We have not yet signed up for it, but Dave Ramsey promotes an "insurance" through Zander Insurance for ID theft.  It's not really "insurance" (hence the quotes) as they don't pay out anything to merchants, but what they do is all the leg work needed to clear your record of the fraudulent activity.  On average it takes something like 600 man-hours (whether it's you or them).

[K Frame]

My insurance company offers, for a nominal fee, a rider to my home owner's that covers costs associated with recouping your good name if it is stolen. Things like lost time from work, etc.

[230RN]

I've seen their ads on TV where they say (quietly and quickly) that their service cannot be sold in the State of New York. I've also seen their ads in the "American Rifleman," but I would not assume that AR has checked them out.  Advertising dollars is advertising dollars, and I wouldn't expect AR (or any magazine or publication) to check out their advertising very closely.  That's just the way it is.  The NRA ain't the Better Business Bureau.

Can they be hacked?  Ha-ha-ha-haaaa.

Terry, 230RN

[mtnbkr]

Good article from wired.

Couple of years old, but it hits the salient points: http://www.wired.com/politics/security/commentary/securitymatters/2008/06/securitymatters_0612

Somehow I knew that was going to be the article by Bruce Schneier.

Chris

[K Frame]

Somehow I knew that was going to be the article by Bruce Schneier.

Chris

Meaning?

[mtnbkr]

No specific meaning.  I read his book a year ago and remember reading what he said.  I started reading the thread wondering if anyone would bring it up.

Chris

[RevDisk]

Meaning?

Dude exposes security theater every day.

Also, he is one of the best cryptologists on the planet.  I own several of his books.

[mtnbkr]

Rev, I work for him.  Well, the company he founded (and later sold to BT).

I win. :D

Chris

[K Frame]

OK, I was just wondering if the source was tainted or something.

Well, the fact that you are peripherally associated with him does taint it...



"Dude exposes security theater every day."

Is that anything like Mystery Science Theater?

[AZRedhawk44]

I've seen their ads on TV where they say (quietly and quickly) that their service cannot be sold in the State of  I've also seen their ads in the "American Rifleman," but I would not assume that AR has checked them out.  Advertising dollars is advertising dollars, and I wouldn't expect AR (or any magazine or publication) to check out their advertising very closely. 

You think?




Or the Judge getting 2008 handgun of the year? 

Seems advertising with the NRA is a good way to NOT get checked out very closely by them.

[sanglant]

the simple, someone is trying to get a loan/creditcard/other misc account in your name. it's denied until you get a call, and say, "yes, i am trying to do that" thing would be worth at least 10 bucks a month(to me). even better if you can press charges against the dude trying to burgle you. but the last time i bothered to check, they had been barred from offering that service.

anyone else offer anything similar?

[Snowdog]

Well there's no contract and I can cancel at any time, so I'll " just wait here for a little while... see what happens... ".