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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.

Service Client

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?

Online fraud is becoming more frequent and increasingly sophisticated. Third-party services and even banks are not immune to hackers and data breaches, and these protections are a valuable way to defend yourself against growing threats. Here’s what you can expect when subscribing to one of these services:
  • 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

A former digital nomad, Nicolas knows eSIMs inside out. After traveling the world, he finally settled in Japan, where he now serves as COO at PlanHub. A podcast enthusiast with a sharp pen, he sheds light on everything happening in the world of mobile connectivity.

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

 

View offers

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Recommendations based on your profile

Prepaid plan

Solo user or already well-equipped

Already have an antivirus or a NordVPN subscription? In that case, NordProtect complements your security by focusing on identity protection: dark web monitoring, credit tracking, and assistance in case of identity theft. It’s a lightweight, non-redundant solution, ideal for strengthening an existing security ecosystem.
Expatriate Family

Family or connected household

If several people share the same devices at home, TELUS Online Security is the most practical choice. The Complete and Ultimate plans cover up to 10 or 20 devices and include VPN, antivirus, and identity monitoring. It’s a simple and complete option to protect the whole family without having to manage multiple subscriptions.
Newcomer's mobile plans

Traveler or remote worker

Whether you travel frequently or often connect to public Wi-Fi, your priority should be a reliable VPN. You can take a modular approach with NordProtect for identity management and NordVPN to secure your connection, or choose TELUS if you prefer to centralize all your cybersecurity tools under a single subscription.
Multi-talented

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.

FAQ

Do I still need an antivirus if I subscribe to a security plan like these?
It depends on whether the plan you choose includes device protection (antivirus, anti-malware). Some services bundle antivirus, VPN, and identity monitoring, while others focus solely on identity protection and don’t include antivirus. Make sure to check exactly what’s covered in the plan you select.
It depends on the plan. For example, with TELUS: the Standard plan covers 3 devices, the Complete plan covers 10, and the Ultimate plan covers 20. For an identity-focused service like NordProtect, the main factor isn’t the number of devices but rather the monitoring of your personal data and identity.
The dark web is the part of the Internet that isn’t indexed by regular search engines. It contains forums, stolen databases, and exchanges of compromised data. A cybersecurity service monitors these areas to detect if your personal information (such as email address, card number, or login credentials) appears there.
It is an active monitoring of your credit reports and any suspicious activity on your file (such as a new account being opened or a credit line increase). If unauthorized activity is detected, you receive an alert and support can be initiated.
The reimbursement limits (for example, up to 1 million depending on the plan) apply to eligible expenses related to identity theft, such as legal fees, direct losses, or credit impact. There are always conditions, exclusions, and procedures to follow. It’s not an automatic payment deposited into your account. Be sure to review the terms carefully before choosing your plan.
No. Security insurance is a complementary layer of protection, but it never replaces good habits: using unique passwords, enabling 2FA, making regular backups, being cautious with links and attachments, and keeping your systems updated. These practices reduce risks and strengthen the effectiveness of any security service.