Bitdefender’s Ultimate Security Plus Extended offers a comprehensive suite designed to safeguard both your online identity and digital devices. With a monthly subscription priced at , or an annual fee of 0, the service provides a family plan option at per month. This plan monitors three credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—delivering quarterly credit reports from Experian and daily updates from TransUnion. The credit score is based on VantageScore 3.0, and users benefit from a credit-improvement simulator and a convenient credit-lock feature.
In terms of security, the package includes an antivirus (AV) solution, a password manager, a VPN for secure browsing, and tools for safe online navigation such as anti-tracking and ad-blocking features. Additionally, it offers investment account monitoring, with identity theft coverage up to million. Users are promptly notified of data breaches, and the service extends to monitoring medical records and payday loans, as well as alerts for online predators and cyberbullying.
Costs and Coverage
The pricing structure for Bitdefender’s plans is designed to cater to different user needs. The Ultimate Security Plus Standard plan starts at 9.99 annually or .99 monthly for the first year, which includes basic features like real-time protection and million in identity insurance. In contrast, the Ultimate Security Plus Extended plan, priced at 9.99 per year or .99 per month for the first year, enhances coverage with million in identity theft insurance and additional features such as investment account alerts and change of address notifications.
For families, the Ultimate Security Plus Standard subscription is available at 9.99 for the first year, while the Extended version costs 9.99. These family plans remain competitively priced compared to similar offerings from other providers.
Testing and Setup
During a three-month testing phase, the setup process involved creating an account and entering personal information, which was verified multiple times for security. The dashboard provided a user-friendly interface, allowing easy access to credit monitoring and identity theft protection features. The service also covers social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, although it does not extend to LinkedIn or TikTok.
Credit Monitoring and Reports
The Ultimate Security Plus Extended plan offers robust credit monitoring, including access to credit reports from all three major bureaus. While instant reports are not available, users can access quarterly reports and daily updates on their VantageScore 3.0 credit scores. The service allows for quick credit freezes and provides alerts for any suspicious activity.
Insurance and Services
With identity theft insurance coverage up to million, the plan includes restoration services that assist users in recovering from identity theft. This encompasses legal and investigative support, as well as reimbursement for lost wages and travel expenses related to identity recovery. Additionally, the plan features ,000 in ransomware insurance, aligning with industry standards.
Notifications and Alerts
Ultimate Security Plus Extended keeps users informed through various notifications, including alerts for dark web scans and potential fraud. The interface allows users to view unresolved alerts easily, ensuring that any necessary actions can be taken promptly.
Interface and Extras
The service provides a web-based dashboard and mobile apps for iOS and Android, although some features are only accessible online. The dashboard integrates various security tools, including a password manager and VPN, but the user experience can vary depending on the specific service being accessed.
Overall, Bitdefender’s Ultimate Security Plus Extended effectively combines identity protection with advanced malware defenses, making it a solid choice for users seeking comprehensive online security. However, the integration of its various features could be improved for a more seamless user experience.
