ANALYSIS OF CYBER THREAT AWARENESS LEVELS, PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOR, AND COMMUNICATION PREFERENCES AMONG THE DIGITAL SOCIETY IN SEMARANG CITY
Main Article Content
Tika
Rizky Prawita Utami
Adi Marsoni
Anesthesia Aryan Putri
Rakesh Sitepu
Digital transformation in Indonesia has increased access to technology while also expanding the risk of cyber threats. This study aims to analyze the relationship between cyber threat awareness, protective behavior, and digital security communication preferences among the digital society in Semarang City. The research method used an explanatory quantitative approach with Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) through SmartPLS 4.0, involving 100 active internet users as respondents. The results show that cyber threat awareness has a positive and significant effect on protective behavior (β = 0.847; p < 0.001) and digital security communication preferences (β = 0.822; p < 0.001). However, protective behavior did not significantly affect communication preferences (β = 0.159; p = 0.234) and did not mediate the relationship between awareness and communication preferences (β = 0.135; p = 0.294). These findings indicate an intention-behavior gap where awareness has not been fully applied in safe communication behavior. Theoretically, the results of this study reinforce the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and Technology Threat Avoidance Theory (TTAT), while practically emphasizing the importance of improving communication-based cyber literacy and awareness to build a resilient digital society.
Afrina, C., Zulaikha, S. R., & Jumila. (2024). The Low Level of Digital Literacy in Indonesia: An Analysis of Online Media Content. Record and Library Journal, 10(2), 374–387. https://doi.org/10.20473/RLJ.V10-I2.2024.374-387
Anggraheni, P., Fatharini, A. T., Nurhaqiqi, H., Mustikasari, R. P., Diaz, Y. G., & Gultom, M. N. (2024). The Role of Women in Community Development: Reenacting Digital Activism in Improving Education for All Children, Lesson Learned from Tulungagung and Semarang. Jurnal Sosial Humaniora, 17(2), 219. https://doi.org/10.12962/J24433527.V17I2.20906
Azzani, I. K., Purwantoro, S. A., & Almubarok, H. Z. (2024). Enhancing awareness of cyber crime: a crucial element in confronting the challenges of hybrid warfare In Indonesia. Defense and Security Studies, 5, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.37868/DSS.V5.ID255
Chasanah, B. R., & Candiwan, C. (2020). Analysis of College Students’ Cybersecurity Awareness In Indonesia. SISFORMA, 7(2), 49–57. https://journal.unika.ac.id/index.php/sisforma/article/view/2706
Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences. Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences, 1–567. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203771587/STATISTICAL-POWER-ANALYSIS-BEHAVIORAL-SCIENCES-JACOB-COHEN/RIGHTS-AND-PERMISSIONS
Data Pemerintah Dominasi 58 Persen Kebocoran di Dark Web, Platform Baru Ini Tawarkan Deteksi Dini - AWANPINTAR. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2025, from https://www.awanpintar.id/data-pemerintah-dominasi-58-persen-kebocoran-di-dark-web-platform-baru-ini-tawarkan-deteksi-dini/
Dinev, T., & Hu, Q. (n.d.). The Centrality of Awareness in the Formation of User Behavioral Intention toward Protective Information Technologies. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 8(7), 386–408. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00133
Duzenci, A., Kitapci, H., & Gok, M. S. (2023). The Role of Decision-Making Styles in Shaping Cybersecurity Compliance Behavior. Applied Sciences, 13(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/APP13158731
Faisal, F., & Zuliarti, W. O. (n.d.). International Journal of Social Science and Human Research The Awareness Gap in Personal Data Privacy in Indonesia’s Cyberspace. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v7-i07-84
Fattah, A., Wagimin, & Nurlia. (2023). Enhancing Cybersecurity Awareness among University Students: A Study on the Relationship between Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior, and Training. JSI: Jurnal Sistem Informasi (E-Journal), 15(1), 3139–3149. https://doi.org/10.18495/JSI.V15I1.115
Gier, N. R., Krampe, C., & Kenning, P. (2023a). Why it is good to communicate the bad: understanding the influence of message framing in persuasive communication on consumer decision-making processes. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 17. https://doi.org/10.3389/FNHUM.2023.1085810/PDF
Gier, N. R., Krampe, C., & Kenning, P. (2023b). Why it is good to communicate the bad: understanding the influence of message framing in persuasive communication on consumer decision-making processes. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 17. https://doi.org/10.3389/FNHUM.2023.1085810/PDF
Ginting, R. G., Arifyanto, G. T., & Ghafur, F. (2025). Defending The State in The Digital Domain: Between Cyber Threats and National Awareness. Cakrawala: Journal of Citizenship Teaching and Learning, 3(1), 11–20. https://doi.org/10.70489/8YBGRR82
González-Ponce, B. M., Carmona-Márquez, J., Pilatti, A., Díaz-Batanero, C., & Fernández-Calderón, F. (2024). The protection motivation theory as an explanatory model for intention to use alcohol protective behavioral strategies related to the manner of drinking among young adults. Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire), 59(5), agae059. https://doi.org/10.1093/ALCALC/AGAE059
Gusman, S. W. (2024). Development of the Indonesian Government’s Digital Transformation. Dinasti International Journal of Education Management And Social Science, 5(5), 1128–1141. https://doi.org/10.38035/DIJEMSS.V5I5.2868
Hair, J. F., Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M., Sharma, P. N., & Liengaard, B. D. (2024). Going beyond the untold facts in PLS–SEM and moving forward. European Journal of Marketing, 58(13), 81–106. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJM-08-2023-0645
Hariana, R. R., Hadi, E. N., & Jamal, A. P. (2025). Strengthening Cybersecurity: A Comparative Analysis of Agile Governance in Preventing Data Leakage in Indonesia and Malaysia. Agile Governance and Innovation Measurement Journal, 2(1), 40–58. https://doi.org/10.18196/AGIMJOURNAL.V2I1.23
Hendriawan, A., Gautama, I., Siahaan, D., & Kurniawan, K. (2025). Analysis of The Influence of Factors on Maritime Cyber Resilience on Board With Intervening Maritime Cyber Security Awareness. Syntax Literate ; Jurnal Ilmiah Indonesia, 10(3), 2783–2794. https://doi.org/10.36418/SYNTAX-LITERATE.V10I3.56311
Imran, M. F., & Asmoro, D. (2024). Public Awareness on Data: Case in Indonesian Elections and Advocating For Cybersecurity Reinforcement. Journal of Governance, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.31506/JOG.V9I1.23854
Isabella, I., Alfitri, A., Saptawan, A., Nengyanti, N., & Baharuddin, T. (2024). Empowering Digital Citizenship in Indonesia: Navigating Urgent Digital Literacy Challenges for Effective Digital Governance. Journal of Governance and Public Policy, 11(2), 142–155. https://doi.org/10.18196/JGPP.V11I2.19258
Judijanto, L., Rahardian, R. L., Muthmainah, H. N., & Erkamim, Moh. (2023). Analysis of Threat Detection, Prevention Strategies, and Cyber Risk Management for Computer Network Security in Government Information Systems in Indonesia. West Science Information System and Technology, 1(02), 90–98. https://doi.org/10.58812/WSIST.V1I02.479
Kaufhold, M. A., Bäumler, J., Bajorski, M., & Reuter, C. (2025). Cyber Threat Awareness, Protective Measures and Communication Preferences in Germany: Implications from Three Representative Surveys (2021-2024). Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1145/3706598.3713795
Keefe, D. H. S., Jang, H., & Ercan, E. N. (2025). Digitalization in sustainable agriculture supply chain: how digital literacy and support affect attitudes and adoption intentions. International Trade, Politics and Development, 9(2), 129–144. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITPD-02-2025-0007
Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2025, from https://www.komdigi.go.id/berita/siaran-pers/detail/imdi-2025-naik-ke-4453-indonesia-makin-cakap-digital
Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika Republik Indonesia & Katadata Insight Center. (2023). Status literasi digital di Indonesia 2023. https://cdn1.katadata.co.id/media/Report_LITDIG_2023.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Khan, N. F., Ikram, N., Murtaza, H., & Javed, M. (2023). Evaluating protection motivation based cybersecurity awareness training on Kirkpatrick’s Model. Computers & Security, 125, 103049. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.COSE.2022.103049
Kim, S. (2025). Impact of Cybersecurity Self-Efficacy on Digital Economic Behaviors Among Older Adults. Inquiry: A Journal of Medical Care Organization, Provision and Financing, 62. https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580251370933
Klein, G., Zwilling, M., Lesjak, D., Klein, G., Zwilling, M., & Lesjak, D. (1 C.E.). A Comparative Study in Israel and Slovenia Regarding the Awareness, Knowledge, and Behavior Regarding Cyber Security. Https://Services.Igi-Global.Com/Resolvedoi/Resolve.Aspx?Doi=10.4018/978-1-7998-4285-9.Ch007, 128–147. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-4285-9.CH007
Kristiyenda, Y. S., & Ramli, T. S. (2025). IMPLEMENTATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW AWARENESS AND CYBERSECURITY TECHNOLOGY AGAINST DIGITAL COPYRIGHT VIOLATIONS IN INDONESIA DURING THE 2024 ELECTIONS. Awang Long Law Review, 7(2), 349–358. https://doi.org/10.56301/AWL.V7I2.1548
Latif, S. F. A., Sulaiman, S. N., Aziz, S. N. A., Yacob, A., & Nasir, A. (2025). Development of Cybersecurity Awareness Model Based on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) for Digital IR 4.0 in Malaysia. IJACSA) International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 16(3), 2025. www.ijacsa.thesai.org
Li, L., Xu, L., & He, W. (2022). The effects of antecedents and mediating factors on cybersecurity protection behavior. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 5, 100165. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHBR.2021.100165
Liang, H., & Xue, Y. (2009). Avoidance of information technology threats: A theoretical perspective. MIS Quarterly: Management Information Systems, 33(1), 71–90. https://doi.org/10.2307/20650279
Lim, Y. Z., & Tan, A. J. (2025). Cybersecurity Awareness Among Youth: What’s Vital? PaperASIA, 41(2), 166–172. https://doi.org/10.59953/PAPERASIA.V41I2B.334
Mahipal, M., Shivananjappa, N., & Creutzburg, R. (2025). Cybersecurity Awareness Among Young Adults: An Analytical Study. Electronic Imaging, 37(3). https://doi.org/10.2352/EI.2025.37.3.MOBMU-312
Muliawan, D., & Hasnawati, H. (2024). The Influence of Cyber Security Knowledge, Cyber Security Awareness, and Behaviour Protection on Intention to Use Among Mobile Banking Users in Jakarta. Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Teknologi, 5(11), 4904–4916. https://doi.org/10.59141/JIST.V5I11.8763
Naik, G. A. (2025). Cybersecurity Awareness in Goa: A Descriptive and Inferential Study. 13. https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2025.74467
Naqvi, S. G., Alishba, Mughal, M. A., Shehzad, K., & Noor, R. T. (2024). Organizational Environment, Protection Motives, Adoption of Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity Behavior. Journal of Excellence in Social Sciences, 3(4), 11–25. https://doi.org/10.69565/JESS.V3I4.352
Rodríguez-Priego, N., van Bavel, R., Vila, J., & Briggs, P. (2020). Framing Effects on Online Security Behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/FPSYG.2020.527886/PDF
Russo, D., & Stol, K. J. (2022). PLS-SEM for software engineering research: An introduction and survey. ACM Computing Surveys, 54(4). https://doi.org/10.1145/3447580;SUBPAGE:STRING:ABSTRACT;WEBSITE:WEBSITE:DL-SITE;REQUESTEDJOURNAL:JOURNAL:CSUR;TAXONOMY:TAXONOMY:ACM-PUBTYPE;PAGEGROUP:STRING:PUBLICATION
Sajikumar, S., Ajithkumar, N., & Vijayan, G. (2024). Exploring the Interplay of Privacy Concerns, Mobile Cybersecurity Awareness, and Protective Motivation Behavior. International Journal of Religion, 5(5), 612–619. https://doi.org/10.61707/KQYQ0505
Santos, C. P., Rodríguez González, V., Zenaida, N., Pineda, D., Diz-Casal, J., Carlos Fernández-Rodríguez, J., José, J., & Morán, D. (2025). The Role of the Human Factor in the Cybersecurity Ecosystem. Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management, 10(4), 217–229. https://doi.org/10.52783/JISEM.V10I4.8983
Searle, R., & Renaud, K. (n.d.). Trust and Vulnerability in the Cybersecurity Context. Retrieved December 14, 2025, from https://hdl.handle.net/10125/103273
Searle, R., & Renaud, K. (2023). Trust and Vulnerability in the Cybersecurity Context. Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 2023-January, 5228–5240. https://doi.org/10.24251/HICSS.2023.639
Serac, C. A. (2023). DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION VULNERABILITIES: ASSESSING THE RISKS AND STRENGTHENING CYBER SECURITY. THE ANNALS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ORADEA. ECONOMIC SCIENCES, 3(1), 771–781. https://doi.org/10.47535/1991AUOES32(1)059
Sulaiman, N. S., Fauzi, M. A., Hussain, S., & Wider, W. (2022). Cybersecurity Behavior among Government Employees: The Role of Protection Motivation Theory and Responsibility in Mitigating Cyberattacks. Information 2022, Vol. 13, Page 413, 13(9), 413. https://doi.org/10.3390/INFO13090413
Syafiih, M., Nadiyah, Khairi, M., Furqan, Moh., & Yusman, B. (2024). Pendampingan Literasi Digital untuk Mengurangi Risiko Kejahatan Siber Membentuk Masyarakat yang Lebih Aman. JILPI : Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian Dan Inovasi, 2(4), 1027–1036. https://doi.org/10.57248/JILPI.V2I4.456
Tatara, B. A., Abdurachman, B., Mustofa, D. L., & Yacobus, D. (2023). The Potential of Cyber Attacks in Indonesia’s Digital Economy Transformation. NUANSA: Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu Sosial Dan Keagamaan Islam, 20(1), 19–37. https://doi.org/10.19105/NUANSA.V20I1.7362
Vortia, W. (2025). Modelling cybersecurity awareness, perceived threats and secure online behavioral intentions among Ghanaian university students: A PLS-SEM Approach. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 14(2), 096–111. https://doi.org/10.30574/MSARR.2025.14.2.0094
Vrhovec, S., & Fujs, D. (n.d.). Are Perceptions About Government and Social Media Providers Related to Protection Motivation Online? International Journal of Cyber Behavior, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.4018/IJCBPL.324085
Wibowo, B., Hafiz, L., & Hidayat, T. (2025). Unveiling the Cybercrime Ecosystem: Impact of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) in Indonesia. International Journal of Science Education and Cultural Studies, 4(1), 11–21. https://doi.org/10.58291/IJSECS.V4I1.320
Zwilling, M., Klien, G., Lesjak, D., Wiechetek, Ł., Cetin, F., & Basim, H. N. (2022). Cyber Security Awareness, Knowledge and Behavior: A Comparative Study. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 62(1), 82–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/08874417.2020.1712269;WGROUP:STRING:PUBLICATION
