QR codes and authentication protection

The development of the Internet and telecommunication urges researchers to look for a better way to secure online users´ private information. This study is rooted in online user account protection, measuring the effect of QR codes on fear appeals and authentication protection. This study contributes to the extant literature by integrating two theories - protection motivation theory and the theory of planned behavior. The main goal of this study is to investigate how the co-use of computers and mobile devices protect online users´ online credentials. The results of the study also provide guidelines to IT developers for future directions in authentication protection.