Equivalent: Jurnal Ilmiah Sosial Teknik
Vol. 8 No. 3 (2026): Equivalent: Jurnal Ilmiah Sosial Teknik

Analysis of Users' Perception of Security and Trust in Information Security in the WhatsApp Chat Backup Feature

Mariska Diksy Yuniar (Telkom University)
Rio Guntur Utomo (Telkom University)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: Advances in communication technology have driven the increased use of instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, including chat backup features, which are linked to security and user trust in cloud-based data storage. This situation is exacerbated by low user digital literacy, with most users unaware that WhatsApp message backups on Google Drive are not automatically protected by end-to-end encryption. Objective: This study aims to analyze the factors influencing user perceptions of security and trust in WhatsApp's chat backup feature and their impact on continued usage intentions using the Push–Pull–Mooring (PPM) model. Methods: Data were collected through an online questionnaire from 447 active WhatsApp users aged 20–50 in Indonesia and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the help of SmartPLS 4 software. Results: The results showed that institutional privacy concerns had no significant effect on usage intention (p = 0.123), while relative privacy protection had a significant but weak effect (p = 0.049; f² = 0.008). Regarding the mooring factor, evaluation cost (p < 0.001; β = 0.309) and transition cost (p < 0.001; β = 0.510) significantly influenced switching exhaustion, while replacement cost had no significant effect. Furthermore, switching exhaustion was shown to significantly influence usage intention (β = 0.418; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Results indicate that user decisions are influenced not only by perceived security and trustworthiness, but also by barriers and psychological fatigue when considering switching services. A Goodness of Fit (GoF) value of 0.460 indicates the model's overall performance is good.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jequi

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Electrical & Electronics Engineering Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

Equivalent: Jurnal Ilmiah Sosial Teknik provides a means for ongoing discussion of relevant issues including the focus and space of the journal which can be examined empirically. This journal publishes research articles covering all aspects of Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, computer ...