ZoraSafe App Launches at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Protecting Seniors from Online Threats

New App Aims to Protect Older People from Online Threats At the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference, ZoraSafe, a startup founded by sisters Catherine Karow and Ellie King Karow, will present its innovative app designed to safeguard older individuals online. The app, set to launch in a month, promises to not only protect users against scammers and hackers but also educate them on safe internet practices through gamified microlearning. According to Catherine Karow, the app's first version will feature several key components, including a QR code scanner for malware or phishing detection, a suspicious SMS text message and email sender that allows users to have messages checked by ZoraSafe, and a sharing feature to report known scams. "We're excited to bring this much-needed solution to the market," Karow said in an interview with TechCrunch. The cybersecurity industry has traditionally been business-to-business, leaving regular internet users, particularly older individuals who did not grow up with the internet and smartphones, vulnerable to online threats. ZoraSafe aims to bridge this gap by providing a user-friendly app that caters specifically to the needs of this demographic. "We saw an opportunity to create a product that would educate and protect seniors in a way that's both accessible and engaging," Ellie King Karow explained. "Our goal is to empower older adults with the confidence and skills they need to navigate the online world safely." The app will be available for individual subscribers at $12.99 per month, with family and group plans priced higher. While the exact pricing structure has not been finalized, Catherine Karow confirmed that it would be competitive with other cybersecurity solutions on the market. ZoraSafe's presentation at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 marks a significant milestone in its journey to bring this innovative solution to the masses. As the tech industry continues to evolve and online threats become increasingly sophisticated, ZoraSafe's app is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older individuals who rely heavily on technology. Background The cybersecurity landscape has grown increasingly complex, with scammers and hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in software, hardware, and human psychology. Older adults, often less familiar with digital technologies, are particularly susceptible to online threats, including phishing attacks, identity theft, and financial scams. Additional Perspectives Experts in the field of cybersecurity emphasize the need for user-friendly solutions that cater specifically to older individuals. "The current state of cybersecurity is woefully inadequate for seniors," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert on senior-focused cybersecurity. "ZoraSafe's app has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach online safety for this demographic." Current Status and Next Developments With its presentation at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, ZoraSafe is poised to generate significant buzz in the tech industry. As the app prepares for launch, the company will continue to refine its features and pricing structure based on user feedback and market demand. In a month's time, older individuals can expect to have access to a comprehensive online safety solution that not only protects them from threats but also educates them on safe internet practices. With ZoraSafe at the forefront of this movement, the future of online security for seniors looks brighter than ever. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*