Sony details free year-long identity theft protection in the U.S.

Sony has teamed up with Debix, Inc., to provide a $1 million identify theft protection for U.S. PlayStation Network users. This year-long plan provides free access to the AllClear ID Plus and includes cyber monitoring and surveillance, access to licensed private investigators and identity restoration specialists.

Sony will send off activation emails over the next few days and users have until June 18 to sign-up and redeem their codes. This protection plan is only for U.S. users and other territories will have their own plans. Look for more news on these regionalized plans as Sony makes this information available.

A post on the PlayStation Blog provides specific information on this plan in the U.S:

* Cyber monitoring and surveillance of the Internet to detect exposure of an AllClear ID Plus customer’s personal information, including monitoring of criminal web sites and data recovered by law enforcement. If his/her personal information is found, the customer will be alerted by phone and/or email and will be provided advice and support regarding protective steps to take. The customer will also receive monthly identity status reports. Debix works with an alliance of cyber-crime experts from the government, academia and industry to provide these services.

* Priority access to licensed private investigators and identity restoration specialists. If an AllClear ID Plus customer receives an alert, or otherwise suspects that he/she may be the victim of identity theft, the customer can speak directly, on a priority basis, with an on-staff licensed private investigator, who will conduct a comprehensive inquiry. In the case of an identity theft, the customer can work with an identity restoration specialist to contact creditors and others, and take necessary steps to restore the customer’s identity.

* A $1 million identity theft insurance policy per user to provide additional protection in the event that an AllClear ID Plus customer becomes a victim of identity theft. This insurance would provide financial relief of up to $1 million for covered identity restoration costs, legal defense expenses, and lost wages that occur within 12 months after the stolen identity event.