by Brian Thompson | Jun 18, 2025 | Employee Benefits, Identity Theft, Scams
Open-enrollment planning season is here, and one benefit has rocketed onto every “must-offer” list: employee identity theft and cybersecurity protection. HR Executive now ranks it alongside supplemental health, legal plans, and pet insurance in its “5 Key Voluntary Benefits to Watch in 2025” feature. hrexecutive.com
Why the surge? A 75 % year-over-year jump in global cyberattacks, remote work’s porous boundaries, and rising employee anxiety make identity protection as indispensable as medical or dental coverage. blog.checkpoint.com
This post unpacks:
- How voluntary-benefit priorities shifted for 2025
- The business case HR can pitch to Finance
- What to demand from a provider
- Roll-out tips that win executive buy-in
Alert: After Section 3 you’ll see a call-out box linking to Defend-ID’s free ROI Calculator + Incident-Response Checklist. Use it to quantify savings before you meet with the CFO.
1 | Voluntary-Benefit Rankings Got a Makeover
A Gallagher study cited by HR Executive shows 67 % of employers are expanding their voluntary-benefit menus to stay competitive in talent wars.hrexecutive.com Legal plans and pet insurance are still hot—but identity-theft protection earned its own category for 2025 as breaches hit record highs.
2 | Why Cyber & ID-Theft Protection Shot Up the List
- Attack volume exploded: Check Point logged a 75 % spike in weekly attacks per organisation in Q3 2024. blog.checkpoint.com
- Hybrid work = bigger target: Home networks and personal devices blur the line between corporate and personal risk.
- Employee expectations: Willis Towers Watson found 78 % of employers planned to offer ID-theft protection by 2022, making it table stakes today. hrexecutive.com
3 | The HR & Finance ROI (Share These Numbers)
- Victims can spend up to 200 hours untangling fraud without professional help—time they’re not focused on work. allstateidentityprotection.com
- Average out-of-pocket loss topped $1,500 in 2023, with U.S. employees collectively losing $43 billion. aarp.org
- Productivity drag + overtime to cover absences often dwarfs the per-employee cost of group ID-protection plans.
👉 Free Tool for Readers — Calculate Your True Cost
4 | How to Vet a Provider for your identity theft protection voluntary benefit (Your Shortlist)
| Must-Have Feature |
Why It Matters |
Quick Check |
| Fully-managed restoration |
Off-loads that 200-hour burden from HR. |
Ask if cases are handled by certified advocates 24 / 7. |
| Dark-web & credential monitoring |
Finds leaked SSNs, payroll creds before fraud escalates. |
Look for real-time alerts, not weekly digests. |
| $1 M insurance |
Covers lost wages, legal fees, childcare during recovery. |
Verify policy issuer & claim process simplicity. |
| Easy payroll deduction OR Employer Paid Options |
Low friction = high adoption. |
Request an implementation timeline under 30 days. |
(Defend-ID checks every box and adds small-group pricing down to 2 employees.)
5 | Implementation Tips That Impress Leadership
- Frame it as risk mitigation, not a perk. Map hours-lost data to internal salary figures.
- Bundle comms with cyber-awareness training. Employees see the benefit in context, uptake jumps.
- Pilot with a high-risk department. Payroll or finance teams become champions before company-wide launch.
- Measure & report success. Track adoption, incident resolutions, and recovered hours—share in quarterly HR dashboards.
Conclusion
Identity-theft protection has officially crossed from “nice-to-have” to Top-5 voluntary benefit status. Offering a turnkey program shields employees from life-disrupting fraud and protects your organisation from hidden productivity drains. With the right partner, launching is as simple as flipping a payroll switch.
Ready to Quantify the ROI—or See It Live?
| Action |
Best for |
Link |
| Schedule a 15-min Discussion |
You have budget authority & questions |
Book My Call |
| Download the ROI Calculator & Checklist |
Need hard numbers before proposing |
Get the Toolkit |
| Subscribe for Weekly HR-Security Insights |
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Protect your people. Protect your bottom line. Defend-ID can help you do both.
Resources related to identity theft protection voluntary benefits
by Brian Thompson | Jun 11, 2025 | Employee Benefits, Identity Theft
TL;DR – Employee identity theft protection is crucial for reducing productivity loss and liability risks for businesses. Implement comprehensive programs to safeguard your employees effectively.
Employee identity theft protection matters deeply to HR because incidents cause significant productivity losses, averaging 30–100+ hours per case. HR teams frequently manage the fallout, and with 73% of SMBs experiencing breaches last year (HR Dive), comprehensive employee identity theft protection is essential for reducing legal and financial exposure.
Data Stat: “Each employee identity theft incident can cost companies over 100 hours of lost productivity.” (ITRC Aftermath)
Understanding the Risks and Gaps
Most businesses don’t have protections in place at all, and if they do, it is basic. Typically, it is limited to one-off credit monitoring after breaches. However, these measures are insufficient for ongoing threats. HR leaders face pressure balancing budgets against rising employee expectations. Existing solutions frequently lack family coverage, robust engagement, and comprehensive recovery support.
What a Comprehensive Identity Protection Program Includes
HR professionals need a robust and cost-effective employee identity theft protection solution:
- Always-on monitoring (SSN, credit, dark web).
- $1 million insurance coverage.
- Full-service restoration advocates for employees and families.
- Real-time alerts and breach-response documentation.
- Easy integration with existing benefits portals and broker support.
Poll-Quote: “73% of mid-market businesses reported breaches in 2023, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive employee identity theft protection.”
Real-World Benefits and ROI
Effective identity protection programs yield measurable ROI. With typical costs below $5 per employee per month (PEPM), companies avoid thousands of dollars lost per identity theft incident. HR teams also see increased bandwidth for strategic initiatives and reduced legal risks, enhancing employer brand perception.
Check out this ROI Calculator to see how much Identity theft is already costing your company: ROICalc
Implementing Identity Theft Protection: Best Practices
- Engage stakeholders early (CFO, IT, C-suite) to align expectations and secure buy-in.
- Leverage broker and benefits platforms for a smooth rollout.
- Communicate clear benefits and ease of use to maximize employee uptake.
- Regularly review engagement analytics to demonstrate tangible ROI and justify ongoing investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is employee identity theft protection critical for HR?
A: It reduces productivity loss, legal liabilities, and enhances employee satisfaction and retention.
Q: How much does comprehensive identity theft protection typically cost per employee?
A: Typically under $5 PEPM, making it affordable and justifiable to CFOs based on productivity savings.
Q: Can identity theft programs cover employee families?
A: Yes, comprehensive programs include family coverage, significantly increasing perceived value.
Q: How does identity theft protection integrate with existing HR systems?
A: Modern solutions offer easy API/SFTP integrations and single sign-on capabilities for seamless enrollment.
Q: What features should HR prioritize when selecting an identity theft protection provider?
A: Robust monitoring, full-service restoration support, compliance documentation, ease of administration, and high employee engagement.
Protect Your Employees Today
Secure your workplace, reduce risks, and demonstrate proactive duty of care with comprehensive employee identity theft protection. Schedule your demo today and experience why HR leaders trust [Your Brand] to safeguard their teams effectively.
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by Brian Thompson | May 20, 2025 | Breach, Identity Theft
Online banking has become the default for millions of people around the world. Whether it is personal accounts or business accounts, people are checking balances and paying bills, managing investments and applying for loans, and most financial activity now happens online. It is now crucial to use a VPN for online banking.
But as banking has become more convenient, it has also become a top target for cybercriminals.
In fact, financial services account for over 20% of phishing and malware attacks globally—and the risks are only growing. With new scams, man-in-the-middle attacks, and public WiFi exploits emerging constantly, it’s clear that traditional security measures aren’t enough.
That’s why a VPN (Virtual Private Network) remains one of the smartest and simplest tools you can use to protect your financial information online. Whether you’re banking from a laptop at home or checking your balance on your phone while traveling, a VPN provides a critical layer of encryption that keeps you and your money safe. And we have solutions for both individuals and SMBs.
The Modern Threat Landscape for Online Banking
Today’s cyber criminals don’t just go after big banks—they go after you. And they’re surprisingly successful.
Many of today’s banking-related attacks exploit the following:
- Unsecured public WiFi (like coffee shops, airports, hotels)
- Fake banking apps that mimic legitimate mobile interfaces
- Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks, where your internet traffic is intercepted and monitored
- Credential theft from phishing emails and compromised browsers
- Rogue access points, which appear to be legitimate WiFi networks but are controlled by hackers
And these threats don’t just hit users on outdated machines or sketchy websites. Sophisticated attackers now create convincing replicas of banking portals, inject malicious scripts into real ones, and trick even savvy users into exposing personal details.
Financial Institutions Are Recognizing the Need for Encryption
According to a recent article in Banking Frontiers, Neha Anand, VP & Head – Cyber at Prudent Insurance Brokers, explains that SMB employees, many of whom work outside the office, are at risk as well. She explained that employee’s home WiFi networks frequently lack strong security, leaving them vulnerable to online attacks. Hackers can use phishing attacks, which can trick employees into clicking on harmful links, to take advantage of remote work disadvantages. These connections have the potential to install malware or launch ransomware attacks, encrypting confidential company information and interfering with business operations.
As a result, financial institutions are making VPNs available to SMB customers to improve security.
Why a VPN Is Essential for Safe Banking
When you use VPN encryption, your internet connection is routed through a secure, encrypted tunnel. That means:
- Your data is shielded from hackers. Even if you’re using public WiFi, a VPN ensures that your session is encrypted from end to end, making it virtually impossible for bad actors to snoop on your activity.
- Your IP address is hidden. This helps protect your location and personal identity, adding another layer of anonymity to your banking session.
- You’re protected from network-based threats, such as MitM attacks or DNS hijacking.
A good VPN acts like a private, armored lane for your internet traffic. For online banking, that kind of protection isn’t just helpful—it’s crucial.
The Mobile Factor: Don’t Forget Your Phone
Nearly 70% of Americans now use mobile apps for banking. While apps are generally more secure than browsers, they’re still vulnerable to malware infections, fake app clones on third-party app stores, and poorly secured WiFi connections.
A VPN on your phone ensures that every banking action—whether it’s transferring money, setting up alerts, or applying for a mortgage—is done over an encrypted, trusted connection.
Pro tip: Avoid banking apps that allow logins on jailbroken or rooted devices. These environments make it easier for hackers to bypass app security.
But Doesn’t My Bank Already Use Encryption?
Yes, most modern banks use HTTPS (TLS encryption) for web and mobile access.
However, HTTPS alone can’t protect you if a hacker is intercepting your connection on public WiFi, your DNS requests are being rerouted to a spoofed site, or malware is logging your keystrokes or screenshots.
A VPN adds a second layer of encryption over your connection, ensuring your traffic stays private before it even hits the banking website. Think of it as adding a deadbolt to a locked door—it’s another barrier that attackers would rather avoid.
Public WiFi? Use with Caution and use a VPN for online banking
Using free WiFi at airports, hotels, or cafes without a VPN is like shouting your banking password across a crowded room. Even if the WiFi is password-protected, it’s often shared among dozens or hundreds of people. Because of this, it gives hackers plenty of opportunities to intercept unencrypted traffic.
Always turn on your VPN before logging into your bank on public WiFi. It could be the difference between a safe transaction and a stolen identity.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, online banking is a modern convenience we can’t live without, but it comes with modern risks. A VPN remains one of the most affordable, effective ways to protect your financial data from theft, fraud, and prying eyes.
Whether you’re banking from a remote cabin, a coworking space, or your own kitchen table, make sure your connection is secure. Make sure you’re using a VPN.
by Brian Thompson | May 14, 2025 | Breach, Employee Benefits, Identity Theft
Identity theft protection for small businesses isn’t optional anymore. Nearly 73 % of U.S. SMBs were breached last year, and 60 % closed within six months. Employers now face legal duty-of-care claims when staff data leaks. Use the five-step playbook below to keep employee information safe, meet compliance rules, and stay in business.
1. Are SMBs really too small for identity thieves to bother with?
Short answer: No.
| Myth vs. Reality |
Data point |
| “We fly under the radar.” |
73 % of owners reported an attack in 2023 — a record high.¹ |
| “Hackers chase the Fortune 500.” |
Small businesses made up 43 % of all breaches tracked in Verizon’s DBIR.⁵ |
| “We’d bounce back.” |
60 % of small firms close within six months of a breach.² |
A false sense of security leads many owners to skip basic safeguards, leaving HR and payroll systems wide open.
2. Hidden liabilities & lawsuits HR can’t ignore
The identity theft protection for small businesses landscape changed after Pennsylvania’s Dittman v. UPMC ruling confirmed an employer’s common-law duty to protect employee PII stored online. Failure can bring negligence suits—even if you never lose customer data.⁶ Add 50+ state breach-notice laws (most with per-record fines) and the cost of “doing nothing” skyrockets.
3. 2025 threatscape in plain English
| Scam (🚩) |
How it works |
One-click defense |
| CEO / BEC email |
Spoofed exec asks HR to wire funds or send W-2s |
Verify requests by phone |
| W-2 phishing |
Fraudster posing as CFO demands every employee’s W-2 |
Share via secure HRIS only; train staff |
| AI voice deepfake |
Cloned CEO voice calls finance for an “urgent” transfer |
Two-person approval rule |
| Payroll login scam |
Text/email link steals self-service credentials, diverts pay |
MFA + out-of-band alerts |
The IRS still flags the W-2 scam as “one of the most dangerous” HR attacks it sees.⁷ AI voice fraud is the new twist: criminals cloned WPP’s CEO in 2024 to try to siphon funds.⁸
4. The five-step HR & Owner Identity Theft Protection for Small Businesses Defense Plan
4.1 Baseline security on a budget
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) on payroll/benefits portals
- Encrypted, access-restricted HRIS (ditch spreadsheets)
- Weekly cloud backups + endpoint monitoring
4.2 90-minute staff drill
- Quarterly 5-minute micro-trainings cut phishing clicks and please insurers.
- Simulated phishing tests + “report” button rewards.
4.3 Incident-response flowchart (print-ready)
Who calls whom in the first 72 hours? Map IT, HR, legal, insurer, FBI/IC3 notifications.
4.4 Offer an identity-protection benefit
Over 51 % of employees say their employer should provide identity-theft protection, and adoption drives retention.⁹ Plans cost roughly $3–$6 per employee per month.
4.5 Cyber-insurance 101
Only 17 % of small companies have coverage, yet a single breach averages $ 500k in hard costs.³ Make sure the policy covers employee-data incidents, legal counsel, and credit-monitoring expenses.
5. ROI snapshot—cost vs. coverage
| Line item |
Typical SMB cost |
Potential breach loss |
| Cyber-insurance premium |
$1.2k–$2.8 k / yr |
Legal & tech fees: $ 120k+ |
| ID-protection benefit |
$3–$6 PEPM |
Employee recovery time: $ 20k–$ 40k |
| MFA / password manager |
$2 user/mo |
Credential theft payout: $ 25k average wire |
Run the numbers for your workforce in our free ROI calculator below →
6. Grab-and-go checklist
- Turn on MFA for every payroll login today.
- Limit HRIS access to need-to-know.
- Teach staff to verify any “exec” request for money or data.
- Draft a 72-hour breach-response plan; rehearse quarterly.
- Price identity-protection benefits and cyber insurance this quarter.
[Download printable PDF]
7. FAQ
Does general liability cover identity theft? No. Standard GL excludes cyber events; you need a cyber endorsement or stand-alone policy.³
How fast must we notify employees? Most states require notice “without unreasonable delay,” many within 30–45 days; some mandate 72 hours if SSNs are exposed.
Is identity theft protection a taxable benefit? Generally not if the employer offers it post-breach; voluntary plans are typically post-tax, like other ancillary benefits.
Next Steps for those of you who are looking for identity theft protection for small businesses.
Believing you’re “too small to hack” is like leaving the front door open because thieves target mansions—criminals prefer easy wins. With 73 % of SMBs already hit, and courts holding employers liable for lax data controls, the question isn’t if but when. Follow the five-step plan, share the checklist with your team, and DM us for the full playbook or a demo of our all-in-one employee identity-protection platform.
Citations for and additional articles related to identity theft protection for small businesses
- Business Data Protection Practices: Six Pillars Every Company Needs in 2025
- 10 Security Policies Every Small Business Needs in 2025
- Small Businesses Suffer Record Number of Cyber-Attacks — 73 % hit in 2023, Infosecurity Magazine
- 60 % of small companies close within six months of a breach Cybersecurity Ventures
- Only 17 % of small firms have cyber insurance (Navex survey).
- Forbes: 17 % coverage, rising premiums context, Forbes
- Verizon DBIR: 43 % of breaches involve small businesses. Verizon
- Dittman v. UPMC establishes employer duty of car,e Justia Law
- IRS Alert IR-2017-20 on W-2 phishing scam IRS
- Deepfake CEO voice scam targeting WPP (Incode blog) incode.com
by Brian Thompson | Apr 23, 2025 | Employee Benefits, General, Identity Theft
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face the same cybersecurity threats as large corporations, without having the same budgets or dedicated security teams. Cybercriminals know this, so they’re increasingly targeting smaller companies with phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and network intrusions. In fact, recent studies show that over 40% of cyberattacks today specifically target small businesses. This is why a VPN for small businesses is critical.
To protect your company from these threats, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Remote WorkForce VPN is designed precisely for SMBs, offering business-level security without enterprise-level costs or complexities.
Why VPNs Are Crucial in a Remote and Hybrid World
With more employees working remotely, secure internet access has become vital. Employees regularly access company files, applications, and emails from home offices, airports, coffee shops, or hotels. Unfortunately, these public networks often lack security and are easy targets for cybercriminals.
A VPN solves this problem by creating an encrypted tunnel between an employee’s device and your company resources. As a result, it prevents unauthorized access, protecting credentials, customer information, and intellectual property from theft.
As cyberattacks continue to evolve, a VPN provides your first and most effective defense when employees connect from outside your secure office network.
Why Cybercriminals Target SMBs
You might assume your business is too small to attract cybercriminals. However, attackers think otherwise. Smaller companies often lack proper security measures, have outdated systems, or inconsistent policies. Additionally, many SMBs don’t have a full-time cybersecurity staff or IT team.
Even one compromised device can lead to data theft, costly fines, or significant disruption. Therefore, proactive cybersecurity, starting with a reliable VPN, is essential—not optional.
What Makes Remote WorkForce VPN Different
Many VPN solutions exist, but few cater specifically to SMB needs. Remote WorkForce VPN stands out in several key ways:
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Easy to Deploy: Our cloud-based VPN can be set up within minutes, whether you have five employees or fifty. There’s no complicated hardware or difficult network configuration needed. Thanks to a simple interface and guided setup, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to secure your business.
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Fast Performance: Many VPNs slow down internet connections—but not Remote WorkForce VPN. Using advanced traffic optimization and high-speed global servers, our VPN provides seamless, encrypted connections. Consequently, employees can work without delays or interruptions.
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Strong Encryption: Our VPN uses military-grade encryption (AES-256) and trusted protocols (WireGuard and OpenVPN). This ensures all data remains secure during transmission, whether accessing cloud services or sending confidential documents.
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Multi-Device Protection: Employees switch between laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Remote WorkForce VPN covers all major platforms—Windows, macOS, iOS, Android—protecting your team no matter their location or device.
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Affordable Pricing: Most enterprise VPNs are expensive. In contrast, Remote WorkForce VPN offers flexible pricing specifically for small businesses. Thus, you pay only for the features you need, scaling affordably as your company grows.
Compliance and Building Client Trust
If your business manages customer data, financial details, or health records, using a VPN helps you comply with regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI-DSS. Secure remote access is often required in compliance audits.
Moreover, clients and partners trust businesses that prioritize data security. Adopting a VPN shows your commitment to protecting sensitive information, helping build lasting credibility and trust.
VPNs and ZTNA: Better Together
Although Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions are beneficial, VPNs remain effective, especially as part of a layered cybersecurity strategy.
VPNs are excellent at encrypting traffic and providing secure connections for employees, contractors, or consultants who require extensive resource access. For many SMBs, starting with a VPN and gradually moving toward ZTNA makes practical and financial sense.
Bottom Line: Why You Still Need a VPN for small businesses
In 2025, firewalls and antivirus software alone won’t fully protect your business. SMBs must proactively secure their data, employees, and reputations. Implementing a VPN is among the most effective, immediate, and affordable security upgrades you can make.
Remote WorkForce VPN specifically addresses the unique challenges faced by small businesses. It’s secure, fast, easy to use, and scales as your company grows.
Don’t wait until a cyberattack hits. Let us help you protect your business today.
Related Articles to VPN for small businesses:
by Brian Thompson | Apr 10, 2025 | Employee Benefits, Identity Theft
Trusted Peace of Mind Recovery for a Secure Future
In today’s unpredictable environment, achieving peace of mind recovery is essential for anyone seeking a reliable place to turn during moments of uncertainty. Our dedicated Recovery Team not only meets but exceeds industry service standards, ensuring rapid response times, thorough support, and unparalleled security when you need it most. With an unwavering commitment to safety, our customer service experts provide immediate relief and comfort by helping you navigate identity theft, data breaches, and other disruptive challenges.
Exceptional Service Performance and Rapid Response
Our first quarter of 2025 has set a new benchmark for customer service excellence. Here’s how our performance highlights our commitment to rapid, reliable support:
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Abandon Rate: An impressively low 2.1%, well below our maximum target of 3%.
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Average Speed to Answer: A record-breaking 13 seconds, surpassing our goal of 20 seconds.
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Call Answered Within 20 Seconds: 84.2% of calls were addressed in under 20 seconds, exceeding the 80% minimum target.
These metrics demonstrate our efficiency and dedication to creating a nurturing environment where you can feel safe and reassured during every interaction.
Voices of Satisfaction: Customer Testimonials
Our customers consistently praise our attentive and empathic approach. Their testimonials affirm that our Recovery Team truly understands the importance of offering both technical expertise and heartfelt support:
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“All my communications with my Recovery Advocate have been excellent. Thank you.” – Royce E.
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“I felt that I was patiently, compassionately and thoughtfully listened to by my Advocate. As a result, I’ve gained confidence in constructively confronting the challenge of becoming a victim of identity theft.” – James R.
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“I was more at ease once I knew my fraud specialist had me signed up for credit monitoring and did an excellent job explaining how everything works together.” – Grace J.
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“Thank you for helping me with the recent data breach event that I received notification about.” – Barbara W.
These customer voices reinforce that our approach to peace of mind recovery is not just about meeting metrics—it’s about building trust and ensuring that every customer feels supported during stressful times.
Why Our Recovery Team is the Place to Turn
Our Recovery Team is a beacon of reliability and expertise, offering a comprehensive suite of services that include:
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Rapid Response: Immediate support with call handling speeds that ensure you’re never waiting during a crisis.
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Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable advocates who provide personalized advice on identity theft prevention and data breach recovery.
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Compassionate Service: A caring approach that emphasizes clear communication, follow-ups, and additional relevant information tailored to your needs.
By consistently achieving outstanding service metrics and earning glowing customer testimonials, our team exemplifies what it means to offer true peace of mind recovery.
Experience the Difference with Our Recovery Team
When you choose us, you’re not just getting a service—you’re gaining a reliable partner dedicated to securing your future. With top-tier customer service, rapid response times, and a holistic approach to resolving security concerns, our Recovery Team stands ready to transform moments of chaos into opportunities for renewed confidence and reassurance. Discover the difference a committed team can make in delivering the secure, comforting experience you deserve.
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