The cybersecurity landscape has predominantly focused on business-to-business solutions, leaving individual internet users vulnerable to threats. Among these users, older individuals who may not be as tech-savvy are at a higher risk of falling victim to scams and hackers.
To address this gap, sisters Catherine Karow and Ellie King Karow have established ZoraSafe, a startup aimed at assisting older individuals in safeguarding themselves online. Their innovative approach involves developing an app that not only protects users from cyber threats but also educates them on staying safe through interactive microlearning experiences.
While the app is still in the works, Catherine and Ellie anticipate its launch in the coming month. They have disclosed that individual subscriptions will be priced at $12.99 per month, with family and group plans available at higher rates.
The initial version of the app will offer various features, including a QR code scanning mode to detect malware or phishing attempts, a function to report suspicious SMS messages and emails for verification, and a tool for sharing scam alerts with the ZoraSafe community for collective protection.
Looking ahead, ZoraSafe plans to introduce an advanced feature that enables users to involve the app in suspicious phone calls to identify potential scams or deepfake calls. Despite this capability, Catherine assures that the app will not eavesdrop or record conversations.
In the event of detecting a threat, the app will initiate a chat session to inform users about the issue and provide guidance on recognizing and handling similar situations in the future. This approach aims to enhance users’ online awareness and resilience even when they are not actively using the app.
Regarding privacy concerns, Ellie emphasizes that ZoraSafe’s AI engine prioritizes on-device processing, with only a fraction of data processed in the cloud and anonymized to protect users’ information.
Moreover, the sisters are exploring innovative solutions to bypass iOS restrictions, such as incorporating an NFC sticker in phone cases for quick access to the app during emergencies. They also plan to introduce a “Share to ZoraSafe” feature in the iOS menu for seamless reporting of suspicious activities to the platform.
Looking ahead, ZoraSafe envisions expanding its services to include children, collaborating with educational institutions, and launching multilingual support starting with Spanish.
To learn more about ZoraSafe and discover other innovative companies, attend the upcoming JS Disrupt conference in San Francisco from October 27 to 29. Join the event to explore cutting-edge tech solutions and gain insights from industry experts.