Once I signed up, I had to fill out several online forms. These include information that might personally identify me, like my Social Security number, phone numbers, email addresses, credit/debit cards, and so on. Filling out the information took about 20 minutes. It’s not effortless, but NordProtect’s interface is clean and intuitive. It puts the information you want to see on top, often alongside brief but informative details, with the option to dive deeper. Notifications are rare, too, so you’re not peppered with distracting alerts.

The exception to this was the first time I logged in. I saw dozens of alerts associated with data breaches that occurred over the past two decades. Once those were dismissed, new notifications were uncommon. The interface can seem a bit too simple. I found it easy to forget exactly what the service was doing for me. NordProtect lacks a mobile app. The website works well enough on a smartphone, but a dedicated app would look better.

NordProtect didn’t provide me with any information or take any actions that had an easily quantifiable impact on my privacy. I looked at each of the 48 data breach alerts that appeared and found that none of them contained worrying information. Much of it was out of date (old passwords, ancient addresses, and so on). Some of it was just straight-up wrong.

NordProtect can offer financial safeguards, but I already have a freeze on my credit, and my bank provides free credit monitoring services. I already use a VPN, so NordVPN wasn’t new to me. The most tangible services I gained were identity theft insurance and access to Incogni. On the other hand, I gained less because I’m already somewhat active in monitoring my personal data. NordProtect would be more valuable if I were starting from scratch.

Doing the Math

NordProtect via Matthew Smith

NordProtect offers monthly, annual, and two-year plans, but the pricing pushes you hard toward yearly subscriptions. Silver is $16, Gold is $24, and Platinum is $32 if you pay monthly. That’s pricey! However, the yearly plans are $84, $114, and $144 for the same tiers, respectively, and the two-year plans are $120/$180/$240.