Trust in Cloud Storage Security and Its Effect on Usage Frequency: A Cambodia-Based Study

Cloud storage has become a key part of today’s digital world, helping individuals and organizations store, access, and share data more easily across devices. In Cambodia, services like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and iCloud are becoming more common as part of the country’s growing digital transformation. However, ongoing concerns about data security, privacy, and trust continue to affect how often users rely on these platforms. Understanding these behavioral factors is important for promoting safer and more confident cloud usage. While many previous studies have focused on why people adopt cloud services, fewer have explored how users continue to use them over time, especially in developing digital economies. This study addresses this gap by examining how trust in cloud storage security and perceived security risks influence usage frequency among Cambodian users. A quantitative research design was applied, using data from 486 respondents collected through an online survey in Phnom Penh. Data analysis was performed using Python, covering descriptive and inferential statistics, including reliability, correlation, and regression analyses. Results show that users reported moderate levels of perceived security risk, trust, and usage frequency, reflecting cautious engagement with cloud services. Regression analysis revealed that trust in cloud storage security has a strong and positive impact on usage frequency, while perceived security risk significantly and negatively influences trust. In addition, perceived security risk exerts a smaller direct negative effect on usage frequency. These findings indicate that trust is the primary mechanism linking risk perceptions to cloud usage, while security concerns independently discourage use to a lesser extent. Theoretically, the study mainly extends the Information Systems Continuance Model (ISCM) by highlighting the post-adoption role of trust and perceived risk. Practically, it provides insights for service providers, policymakers, and digital literacy programs to enhance data protection awareness and build user confidence. Limitations include the use of cross-sectional data, self-reported responses, and an urban sample, which may affect generalizability.