Is Your PIN Code on This List? Change It Now to Boost Your Security!

Passwords and PINs are under constant threat. We know this—hackers target our weak passwords, and data breaches expose millions of credentials. But what about the four-digit PIN codes we use to unlock our phones? They might seem simple, but they can be easy targets, too. Even if you rely on fingerprint or facial recognition, you still need your PIN when things go wrong, like a software update or reset. So, could you be using a PIN that puts your device at risk? Let’s find out which ones to avoid.

A recent analysis revealed nearly 10% of people use the same four-digit PIN. This means that many are vulnerable to attacks. Some PINs are so common that thieves know exactly where to look. Avoiding easily guessable numbers is crucial. Here are 50 PINs you should never use:

1. 0000
2. 1010
3. 1111
4. 1234
5. 2222
6. 3333
7. 4444
8. 5555
9. 6666
10. 7777
11. 8888
12. 9999
13. 1212
14. 1313
15. 2468
16. 2580
17. 1970
18. 1980
19. 2010
20. 2020
21. 1230
22. 1342
23. 4447
24. 6789
25. 1625
26. 7771
27. 2021
28. 2012
29. 8963
30. 1133
31. 9087
32. 3485
33. 3555
34. 2755
35. 2765
36. 1986
37. 0842
38. 9990
39. 4999
40. 1231
41. 0123
42. 4545
43. 0819
44. 1239
45. 3255
46. 8456
47. 7069
48. 2768
49. 1112

Among these, codes like 1234 and 1111 are particularly popular choices, which only increases their risk. Many people think personal connections like birthdays or anniversaries make good PINs, but those are easy for others to guess.

Understanding the History

PIN codes date back to 1966, credited to James Goodfellow, who patented this technology alongside the ATM. The first one was used in London in 1967, and since then, PINs have evolved. The introduction of hardware security modules advanced their security, making them essential for identity verification in banking and beyond.

Updating Security Practices

Today, six-digit PINs are recommended for better security. The longer the PIN, the harder it is to crack, especially since there are thousands more combinations available compared to four-digit PINs. International standards suggest up to 12 digits for financial PINs, with six being a user-friendly maximum. This means when choosing a PIN or password, randomness and length are your best allies.

Security experts also advise against relying solely on common numbers. A robust alternative is creating a longer passphrase, which is both secure and easier to remember. For instance, combining memorable numbers or mixing patterns helps strengthen security.

By being mindful about our PIN choices, we can significantly enhance our digital security. Remember, staying informed is the first step toward protecting your personal information.

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