As the digital world grows more complex, older adults—many of whom didn’t grow up with the internet or smartphones—are increasingly vulnerable to online scams and cyber threats. Stepping up to address this concern, ZoraSafe, a new cybersecurity startup founded by sisters Catherine Karow and Ellie King Karow, is developing an app designed to protect seniors online while teaching them how to stay safe.

Ahead of its official debut at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where ZoraSafe will be featured in the Startup Battlefield, the co-founders revealed that the app will blend security with education through gamified microlearning, turning digital safety into an engaging experience.

According to Catherine and Ellie, the app is set to launch in about a month and will be priced at $12.99 per month for individual users, with higher-tier options for family and group plans.

The initial release will feature several innovative tools, including a QR code scanner for detecting malware or phishing attempts, a service for verifying suspicious emails and text messages, and a community-driven scam database that allows users to report and share threats.

Future versions of the app will introduce an AI-powered call screening feature. When users receive suspicious phone calls, ZoraSafe’s system will help identify whether it’s a scam or a deepfake—without recording or storing the conversation.

Once a potential threat is detected, the app will initiate a chat-based learning session that explains the nature of the threat and educates users on how to recognize similar tactics in the future.

Privacy is also a core priority for ZoraSafe. Ellie noted that 85% of the AI’s processing occurs directly on the user’s device, with only anonymized data sent to the cloud for further analysis.

In addition, the founders plan to introduce an NFC-enabled sticker that can be attached to phone cases, allowing users to access the app quickly—whether they’re facing a scam call or in need of emergency assistance. To overcome iOS restrictions, they’re also developing a “Share to ZoraSafe” option, making it easy for users to send messages or emails to the app for verification.

Looking ahead, the sisters envision expanding ZoraSafe’s reach to protect children and schools, with plans to offer multi-language support, beginning with Spanish.

ZoraSafe’s unveiling will take place during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27–29 in San Francisco, where attendees will explore groundbreaking startups and hear from top industry voices across four main stages.

Source: Techcrunch