Karayel, TugceSaygili, Metin2025-10-112025-10-1120250167-40481872-6208https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2025.104652https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12684/21999This study investigates the factors influencing smartphone users' security behavior intentions through the lens of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). Utilizing structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the research analyzes both a general sample and subgroups based on mobile operating systems (iOS and Android) to explore potential platform-based differences. The findings reveal that threat appraisal components-particularly perceived vulnerability-have a significant impact on users' intentions to engage in mobile security behaviors. Similarly, coping appraisal components, including response efficacy and self-efficacy, are found to be strong predictors of behavioral intention. Interestingly, response cost shows a significant effect only among iOS users, suggesting that perceived burden varies by platform. These results highlight the importance of both cognitive evaluations and contextual factors such as operating systems in shaping users' cybersecurity motivations. The study contributes to the literature by providing nuanced insights into the predictive power of PMT and offering empirical evidence of user segmentation in mobile security behavior.en10.1016/j.cose.2025.104652info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessArticle1582-s2.0-105015047701WOS:001567429000002Q1Q1