Effects of cyber-security and trust issues on consumers’ intention to use E-commerce systems in rural South Africa

Abstract

The adoption and use of ICT have increased drastically in developed countries, but it cannot be said that it lags in developing countries. ICT evolution has introduced e-commerce services for users, but these services fail because of low user acceptance and user attitude, especially in developing nations. The security and trustworthiness of e-commerce are known to be of the most significant concern to people intending to use e-commerce services. The study looked at the role of individual characteristics on how cyber-security and trust issues affect non-users of e-commerce systems' intention to use e-commerce systems in South Africa. The effect of cyber security on consumers’ intentions and actual use of e-commerce systems was examined. This study used a quantitative research approach. The findings revealed that perceived security and perceived trust was the primary concern for non-users of e-commerce intentions. It was shown that e-commerce system users are still concerned about security, even though they intend to continue using e-commerce systems. For the success of e-commerce in rural communities, the government needs to join with retailers and SMEs to start awareness campaigns that will clarify how e-commerce systems work and eradicate negative perceptions of e-commerce systems.