AVAST (antivirus protection) has teamed up with ID Watchdog (identity theft protection) to provide free credit monitoring in their free antivirus software. The free CreditAlert monitors your TransUnion credit report and alerts you if there are any changes. Online resources are available (also for free) to guide you through any dispute and resolution issues. It almost sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? However:
AVAST Free Antivirus has long been featured on our Best Free Antivirus picks for Windows. The scanner not only has a proven track record for detecting and removing malware, it's one of the few scanners to offer scan on bootup for those stubborn infectors.
ID Watchdog is headed up by CEO Michael Greene who is a seasoned veteran in the security industry. Prior to taking over the helm at ID Watchdog, Greene held executive level positions with PC Tools (acquired by Symantec) and Webroot Software. I've interfaced with Michael on various projects over the years and have always been impressed. More importantly, his experience can only bring a more holistic focus to credit monitoring and identity theft - a big plus given today's malware and subsequent rise in identity theft.
So how can AVAST and ID Watchdog afford to give both antivirus and credit monitoring away for free? At some point during your subscription, you'll likely be offered an upgrade to CreditAlert Premium. That expanded service monitors all three credit agencies, gives you 24/7 access to your credit reports & scores, and actively searches for misuse of your personal information. If there's an issue - and only with your approval - the matter will be "investigated, unauthorized activity stopped, and records restored by a team of experts at no additional charge," according to the AVAST press release.
At a cost of $9.95 per month, CreditAlert Premium is one of the cheapest credit monitoring services on the market. But even if you choose to stick with the free version, you'll still be better protected and have more piece of mind. Either way, it's a win.
The addition of credit monitoring is available in the following AVAST products:
• avast! Free Antivirus 6.x
• avast! Pro Antivirus 6.x
• avast! Internet Security 6.x
Note that the CreditAlert service is only available to registered users in the U.S.
