A Study on User Awareness and Threat Perception in Digital Payment

Abstract

The increasing adoption of digital payment systems has brought convenience and speed to financial transactions, but it has also
opened new avenues for cyber threats. From phishing attacks to data breaches, cybersecurity issues in digital transactions are a growing concern for users, businesses, and regulators alike. This paper investigates the level of cybersecurity awareness among digital payment users, particularly in semi-urban regions. Using primary survey data from users, the study examines user behavior, threat perception, and security practices. Findings suggest a considerable awareness gap and highlight the need for proactive user education, better platform level security design, and regulatory enforcement to ensure safe digital payment ecosystems.