Users often put digital security into a single category and confuse identity protection with antivirus, assuming both work the same. But they are not. Before you buy one, it is important to understand the difference between the two. This blog covers the difference between identity theft security and device security.
Cybersecurity threats: Past vs present
Traditionally, a common computer virus could crash a machine and infect a few files. That was it. But today, the cybersecurity landscape has changed from compromising computers via system overload of resources to stealing personal data.
A computer virus is a malware that self-replicates, travelling through devices. It corrupts data and software, and can also steal personal data.
With time, hackers have learned that users are easier targets than computers. These days, malware and social engineering attacks pose more threats than viruses. A well planned phishing email or a fake login page will benefit hackers more than a traditional virus.
Due to the surge in data breaches, hackers have got it easy. Your data- phone number, financial details, passwords is swimming in databases, sold like bulk goods on the dark web.
AI has made things worse and easier to exploit. Hackers can now create believable messages and even impersonate your voice. These shenanigans don't even require creativity, they need to be convincing enough to bait a victim to click or reply.
Where antivirus fails
Your personal data never stays only on your computer, it is collected and sold by data brokers and advertisers, or to third-parties who benefit from it. When threat actors get their hands on this data, they can use it to impersonate you.
In this case, antivirus is of no help. It is unable to notice breaches happening at organizations you don't control or someone impersonating you. Antivirus protects your system from malware that exists outside your system. There is a limit to what it can do. Antivirus can protect the machine, but not the user behind it.
Role of identity theft protection
Identity protection doesn't concern itself with your system health. It looks out for information that follows you everywhere- SSN, e-mail addresses, your contact number and accounts linked to your finances. If something suspicious turns up, it informs you. Identity protection works more on the monitoring side. It may watch your credit reports for threats- a new account or a hard enquiry, or falling credit score. Identity protection software looks out for early warning signs of theft, as mentioned above. It also checks if your data has been put up on dark web or part of any latest leaks.
