Investigating the Mediating Role of Cybersecurity Awareness in Bridging Cognitive Factors and Secure Behavioural Intentions: A Quantitative Approach Using PLS-SEM

Muhammad Agreindra Helmiawan (Informatics, Faculty of Information Technology, Sebelas April University, Indonesia)
Yanyan Sofiyan (Information System, Faculty of Information Technology, Sebelas April University, Indonesia)
Esa Firmansyah (Information and Communication Technology, Asia e University, Malaysia)
Dody Herdiana (Informatics, Faculty of Information Technology, Sebelas April University, Indonesia)
Irfan Fadil (Informatics, Faculty of Information Technology, Sebelas April University, Indonesia)
Titik Khawa Abdul Rahman (Information and Communication Technology, Asia e University, Malaysia)

Jurnal Teknik Informatika (JUTIF)
Vol. 7 No. 4 (2026): JUTIF Volume 7, Number 4, August 2026

Cybersecurity threats have become increasingly sophisticated, rendering the human element a critical vulnerability despite advanced technical safeguards. This study investigates the cognitive drivers of cybersecurity awareness and secure behaviour through the lens of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), specifically examining the mediating role of Cybersecurity Awareness (CA). A quantitative approach using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse data from students and faculty members in a higher education setting. The findings substantiate that Self-Efficacy (β=0.412,p<0.05) and Response Efficacy (β=0.385,p<0.05) are significant predictors of CA, with the model achieving a robust R2 value of 0.703. Crucially, the mediation analysis identifies CA as a vital cognitive bridge that translates internal confidence into Secure Behavioural Intentions. These results offer an integrated framework for developing targeted intervention strategies in academic institutions. For the field of Informatics, this research underscores the urgency of designing human-centric security systems that prioritize psychological empowerment to foster sustainable digital resilience against an evolving threat landscape.