Zorasafe: Protecting Seniors Online - TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Protecting Vulnerable Internet Users: Introducing ZoraSafe

Traditionally, the cybersecurity sector has largely focused on business-to-business services. This leaves individual internet users, particularly those less familiar with technology, largely responsible for their own online protection. Older adults, who didn't grow up with the internet and smartphones, represent a particularly vulnerable demographic.

ZoraSafe's Mission: Empowering Seniors with Cybersecurity

ZoraSafe, a startup created by Catherine Karow and Ellie Karow King, aims to address this gap. The sisters are developing an application designed to safeguard older individuals from both scammers and hackers. Furthermore, the app will educate users on safe online practices through engaging, gamified microlearning modules, as Catherine and Ellie shared with TechCrunch prior to their participation in the TechCrunch Disrupt conference’s Startup Battlefield.

Launch and Pricing Details

Although not yet available, ZoraSafe anticipates launching within the next month. The planned subscription cost is $12.99 monthly for individual users. Family and group plans will be offered at a higher price point.

Key Features of the ZoraSafe App

The initial version of the application will incorporate several protective features, Catherine explained. These include a QR code scanner to detect potential malware or phishing attempts.

Users will also be able to forward suspicious SMS messages and emails to ZoraSafe for analysis. A community-driven feature will allow users to report known scams, contributing to a shared database for enhanced protection.

Leveraging Community Intelligence

“Our goal is to encourage the sharing of scam information,” Catherine stated. “This allows us to instantly alert the entire Zora network, ensuring that if one person encounters a scam, the entire community is protected without delay.”

Future Development: AI-Powered Call Protection

Future iterations of the app will introduce the ability to connect ZoraSafe to suspicious phone calls. The company’s AI system will then analyze the call to identify potential scams or deepfake activity. Importantly, Catherine clarified that the app will not record or listen to calls during this process.

Educational Chatbots for Enhanced Resilience

Upon detecting a threat, the app will initiate a chat session. This chat will explain the nature of the threat to the user and provide guidance on recognizing and handling similar situations in the future, according to Ellie.

“The overarching objective is to foster resilience and enhance awareness, even when users aren’t actively using the application,” she added.

Privacy-Focused AI Design

Ellie emphasized that the AI engine is designed with user privacy as a priority. Approximately 85% of processing occurs directly on the device, with only 15% transmitted to the cloud. She asserted that any data sent to the cloud will be anonymized to protect personal information.

Innovative Solutions for iOS Limitations

Catherine mentioned plans for an “NFC sticker” integrated into phone cases. This sticker would provide quick access to the app in the event of a deepfake call or a fall requiring assistance. This approach aims to circumvent iOS restrictions on app monitoring of other applications.

Another solution involves implementing a “Share to ZoraSafe” option within the iOS share menu, enabling users to easily send text messages or emails to the company’s systems.

Expansion Plans: Reaching New Demographics

Looking ahead, the sisters envision expanding ZoraSafe’s reach to include children and establishing partnerships with schools. They also plan to offer the app in multiple languages, beginning with Spanish.

For further information about ZoraSafe, and to explore numerous other innovative companies, attend their pitches, and hear from guest speakers across four stages, join us at Disrupt, October 27 to 29, in San Francisco. Learn more here.