Abstract
By using the protection motivation theory, this article tests a model of password protection intentions for online users. Hypotheses are proposed concerning the intention to engage in good password practices. Data were collected from 182 college students of 3 universities in the southern United States. The results suggest that fear, response cost, and response efficacy are significantly related to online password protection intentions. However, perceived severity and vulnerability are not significant predictors. The study suggests that reducing cognitive costs for passwords is imperative.