Analysis of Digital Financial Literacy and Transaction Security Levels among Vocational High School Students in Tangerang City, Banten

Abstract

This study investigates the levels of digital financial literacy and transaction security awareness among Vocational High School (SMK) students in Tangerang City, Banten. As Indonesia transitions toward a cashless society, digital financial tools like e-wallets, mobile banking, and fintech platforms have become widely integrated into daily life. However, this rapid technological adoption introduces risks such as cyber threats, predatory online lending, and privacy violations. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected in January 2023 through semi-structured interviews with five vocational students and one teacher, alongside school documentation analysis. The findings reveal a significant gap between students' high frequency of digital payments and their understanding of transaction security protocols, interest rate mechanics, and data privacy. While students comfortably navigate e-wallet interfaces, they rely heavily on social proof rather than technical verification, leaving them vulnerable to fraud and debt cycles. The study emphasizes the urgent need for structured educational interventions in vocational curricula to combine financial management instruction with cybersecurity awareness, empowering students to navigate the digital economy safely and responsible.