FACTORS AFFECTING CYBERSECURITY RISK BEHAVIOUR AMONG MALAYSIAN PAYTECH USERS

THE MODERATING ROLE OF TRUST

Abstract

The increased uptake of financial technology (FinTech) and digital payment platforms has heightened the importance of investigating the cybersecurity risk behaviour of users. The research focuses on analysing the role of essential constructs from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in eliciting cybersecurity risk behaviour among PayTech users in Malaysia, with an emphasis on the moderator of trust. A structured, self-administered survey was employed as a quantitative research design, targeting online payment system users aged 18 to 65 years who actively use this system. Hypothesized relationships were tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results show that performance expectancy and effort expectancy have a significant effect on cybersecurity behaviour, but social influence and facilitating conditions are minor predictors of that behaviour. Trust was identified as mediating between several relationships, highlighting its importance in influencing user behaviour. The results provide empirical evidence on the determinants of secure online transaction behavior and will guide policymakers, developers, and financial institutions in improving system usability, user trust building, and the adoption of safer digital financial services.