Cybersecurity protection in Canada: TELUS Online Security vs NordProtect
Protecting your identity and devices is no longer optional, it’s a true security necessity we all need. Between online shopping, banking, social media, and public Wi-Fi, the risks are everywhere. Fortunately, all-in-one security suites make things easier with a single subscription, real-time alerts, and most importantly, support if the unexpected happens. In this guide, we compare two major options, TELUS Online Security and NordProtect, to help you choose the protection that best fits your needs.
The essentials in 10 seconds
- TELUS Online Security is a consumer bundle backed by Norton. It includes antivirus protection, a VPN, dark web monitoring, credit alerts, and identity theft reimbursement coverage of up to 1 million dollars depending on the plan. In addition, up to 20 devices are covered with the Ultimate plan.
- NordProtect is an identity protection service by Nord Security. It offers credit monitoring, dark web surveillance, identity restoration assistance, reimbursement of up to 1 million USD for recovery expenses, and coverage for cyber extortion and online fraud. It integrates naturally within the Nord ecosystem, such as NordVPN.
Why get security insurance?
- Risk reduction: early alerts when your information leaks on the dark web, when a credit inquiry appears, or when a new account is opened.
- Simplified recovery: handled by specialists in case of identity theft, with reimbursable expenses depending on the selected plan.
- Time and peace of mind: a single dashboard and fewer scattered subscriptions to manage.
- Financial coverage: premium plans include real reimbursement limits. For example, TELUS offers up to 1 million depending on the plan, while NordProtect provides up to 1 million USD for eligible recovery expenses, along with coverage for cyber extortion and online fraud.
Author: Nicolas Goussin, COO of PlanHub.ca
Quick comparison of the two cybersecurity plans
Focus on TELUS Online Security
With TELUS Online Security, you get a complete suite combining Device Security and Secure VPN powered by Norton 360. This includes protection for your devices against online threats, dark web monitoring, and alerts for suspicious activity on your bank accounts or credit file. The service also provides identity recovery assistance in case of identity theft.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the plan: up to $25,000 for the Standard plan, $100,000 for the Complete plan, and $1 million for the Ultimate plan, which offers the highest level of protection.
Device coverage also depends on the plan selected: the Standard plan protects up to 3 devices, the Complete plan up to 10, and the Ultimate plan up to 20 devices simultaneously, ideal for families or connected households.
Focus on NordProtect
With NordProtect, you get comprehensive protection focused on your digital identity and personal data. The service continuously monitors the dark web and your credit file, sending instant alerts in case of suspicious activity, such as an unauthorized account opening or credit request.
In the event of identity theft or fraud, NordProtect assists you through the recovery process and covers restoration expenses up to 1 million USD. It also includes protection against cyber extortion (up to 100,000 USD) and online fraud (up to 10,000 USD).
Not limited by the number of devices, the service focuses on monitoring your identities and integrates seamlessly with Nord’s ecosystem, including the well-known VPN, to also secure your internet connection.
If you already have a Nord VPN subscription, you can easily centralize your services in one place.
Telus Online Security vs Nord Protect
Criteria | TELUS Online Security | NordProtect |
Positioning | TELUS suite powered by Norton with antivirus, VPN, and identity protection | Identity protection by Nord Security, integrated into the Nord ecosystem |
Devices | Up to 20 devices depending on the plan | Lié aux identités surveillées, ne dépends pas du nombre d’appareils |
VPN and antivirus | Includes Norton 360 antivirus depending on the plan | Linked to monitored identities, not dependent on the number of devices |
Dark web monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Credit monitoring | Yes, depending on the plan | Yes, monitoring from a credit bureau and credit activity alerts |
Restoration assistance and reimbursement | Yes, up to $1M on the Ultimate plan, $100K on the Complete plan, and $25K on the Standard plan | Yes, up to $1M USD for recovery expenses, cyber extortion up to $100K, and online fraud up to $10K depending on the case |
For whom | For households looking for antivirus, VPN, and identity protection in a single Canadian plan | For users prioritizing identity protection with seamless integration into the NordVPN suite |
Recommendations based on your profile
Solo user or already well-equipped
Family or connected household
Traveler or remote worker
User concerned about identity theft risk
If you handle important personal or financial information, carefully compare the coverage limits and exclusions. TELUS offers up to $1 million in reimbursement depending on the plan, while NordProtect goes up to $1 million USD, including coverage for identity restoration expenses, cyber extortion, and online fraud.
Additional best practices
Even with a complete security solution, some basic habits remain essential to effectively protect your data.
Start by creating unique passwords for each service you use. It may be inconvenient, but it greatly limits the spread of potential breaches. Don’t forget to always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever it’s available. This prevents a single compromised password from giving access to all your accounts.
You should also back up your important files regularly, either on an external drive or in a secure cloud, so you can recover everything in case of failure, theft, or attack. And of course, be cautious with links and attachments you receive: most cyberattacks start with a single misplaced click. Always check the full email address of the sender, not just the display name, as scammers often mimic legitimate addresses to trick you.
Take time to review your bank statements and credit report regularly to spot any unusual activity before it becomes a serious issue. Finally, always keep your systems and applications up to date, as every update fixes security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals actively exploit.
These simple daily actions significantly reduce risks and make your security plan, whether TELUS Online Security or NordProtect, even more effective.
A simple summary to help you make your choice
There isn’t really a single best option, each has its strengths and limits depending on your profile and priorities.
TELUS Online Security stands out for its all-in-one approach, perfect for Canadian households who want to centralize antivirus, VPN, and identity protection. TELUS’s reputation speaks for itself, and their customer service is easily accessible.
NordProtect, on the other hand, is better suited for those seeking deeper identity coverage, with extended financial protection and the option to combine it with NordVPN for a fully comprehensive cybersecurity setup.
TELUS Online Security
Pros
- Antivirus, VPN, and identity protection in a single Canadian subscription.
- Covers up to 20 devices depending on the plan.
Reimbursement limit up to $1M with the Ultimate plan.
Dedicated assistance in case of identity theft.
Cons
- Less flexible if you only need identity protection.
- Pricing and renewals should be monitored after the first year.
NordProtect
Pros
- Excellent identity coverage: credit monitoring, dark web surveillance, and alerts for suspicious activity.
- Reimbursement up to 1M USD for identity restoration expenses.
Additional protection against cyber extortion and online fraud. - Fully compatible with NordVPN for a complete security solution.
Cons
- Does not replace a multi-device antivirus.
- Coverage details and partner insurer should be reviewed carefully before subscribing, as it is an international service and not specific to Canada.
