ABSTRACT
As the number of IoT devices is growing, so is the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime. Smart phones are being used to control IoT devices, and ensuring that they are secure would prevent hackers from stealing information that is being transferred between smart phones and IoT devices. Dealing with smart phone security has become a challenge for everyone as cybercrime is exponentially increasing. People could reduce the risk of being victims of cybercrime by engaging in self-protective behavior. This study attempts to understand the factors that motivate users to protect their smart phones through the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). Rogers argues that intention to take protective action is determined by a threat appraisal process (perceived risk and perceived vulnerability) and a coping appraisal process (response efficacy, self-efficacy, and response cost) (Rogers, 1975). However, as individuals consider that risks are exaggerated and do not recognize the effects of risks, we propose that individualism would moderate the relationship between the appraisal processes and the intention to self-protect. The same thing goes for the type of operating system. Android users are more responsive to the threats than are iOS users.
