ZoraSafe App Aims to Protect Older Adults from Online Threats
ZoraSafe, a startup founded by sisters Catherine Karow and Ellie King Karow, is developing a mobile application designed to safeguard older adults from the growing threat of online scams and cyberattacks. Recognizing that many older individuals did not grow up with the internet and may be more vulnerable to online exploitation, ZoraSafe aims to provide both protection and education through its innovative app.
Table of contents
Official guidance: W3C — official guidance for Complete ZoraSafe app wants protect older people Guide
Core Features and Functionality
The ZoraSafe app, expected to launch soon, will incorporate several key features to protect its users. One feature will allow users to scan QR codes for potential malware or phishing attempts before opening them. The app will also enable users to forward suspicious SMS text messages and emails to ZoraSafe for analysis. The company plans to analyze these submissions and inform the user about the potential danger. Furthermore, users can share information about known scams and threats within the app, contributing to a community database that alerts other users to potential dangers.
Catherine Karow explained that the company is aiming to incentivize the sharing of scam information so that the entire Zora network can be alerted quickly. This approach ensures that once a scam is identified, immediate protection can be extended to all members of the community.
Advanced Threat Detection and AI Integration
Future versions of the ZoraSafe app will include an advanced feature that allows the app to join suspicious phone calls. ZoraSafe’s AI system will then analyze the call to detect potential scams or deepfake technology. According to Catherine Karow, the app will not record the calls, ensuring user privacy. The AI will analyze the call in real-time to identify potential threats and provide immediate feedback to the user.
When the app detects a threat, it will initiate a chat with the user, explaining the nature of the threat and educating them on how to recognize and handle similar situations in the future. Ellie King Karow emphasized the importance of building resilience in users, even when they are not directly interacting with the app, by increasing their awareness of online threats.
Privacy and Future Development
Ellie King Karow stated that the AI engine is designed with privacy in mind. The app will process 85% of the data on the device itself, with only 15% being processed in the cloud. She also claimed that the data sent to the cloud would be sanitized of personal information before leaving the device, ensuring user privacy is protected.
ZoraSafe is also planning to introduce an NFC sticker that can be incorporated into phone cases. This sticker will allow users to quickly launch the app in situations such as receiving a deepfake call or in case of a fall, where they may need to alert caretakers. The company also plans to circumvent iOS restrictions by including a “Share to ZoraSafe” option in the iOS menu, allowing users to easily send suspicious text messages or emails to the ZoraSafe system for analysis.
Pricing and Expansion Plans
The ZoraSafe app is expected to cost $12.99 per month for individual subscribers, with higher rates for family and group plans. The founders also have plans to expand the app’s reach to include children, partner with schools, and launch the app in different languages, starting with Spanish. The founders envision ZoraSafe becoming a comprehensive safety tool for all age groups, across various languages and geographies.
ZoraSafe presented its app at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference. The next TechCrunch Disrupt will take place October 27-29, 2025, in San Francisco.
Conclusion
ZoraSafe is poised to address a critical need in the cybersecurity landscape by focusing on protecting older adults from online threats. By combining threat detection with educational resources, ZoraSafe aims to empower older individuals to navigate the digital world more safely and confidently. With its innovative features, privacy-conscious design, and plans for future expansion, ZoraSafe has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable internet users.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and may contain affiliate links. Always verify details with official sources.
Explore more: related articles.
