Here are common PINs you should avoid using

Avoid common PINs like 1234 and 1111 to protect your devices from cyber threats.

: An analysis of 29 million PINs reveals that predictable four-digit numbers put devices at risk. The most common PINs include sequences like '1234', '1111', and '0000', which criminals can easily guess. Birth years are also frequently used, such as '1986' and '2020', adding to security concerns. This predictability highlights the importance of choosing complex and unique PINs to safeguard personal information.

In a detailed analysis conducted by ABC News, it was found that a significant number of smartphone users rely on easy-to-guess four-digit PINs, jeopardizing their devices' security. The investigation involved reviewing 29 million entries from the Have I Been Pwned database to uncover prevalent patterns and the predictability of these codes. Notably, 1234, 1111, 0000, and other simple sequences often top the list, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. This exposes an urgent need for public awareness and education on the risks of using such common codes for device protection.

When creating a PIN, many individuals lean towards memorable numbers such as birth years or repetitive digits, although this practice subsequently increases susceptibility to unauthorized access. Despite the 10,000 possible numeric combinations a four-digit PIN can offer, users often select familiar patterns for convenience, undermining the security function these codes are meant to provide. For instance, numbers like 1986 frequently appear in datasets, representing birth years many people seemingly use without considering the associated risks.

Common PIN codes to avoid:

  • 1234

  • 1111

  • 0000

  • 1342

  • 1212

  • 2222

  • 4444

  • 1122

  • 1986

  • 2020

The study further ranks the top 50 common PINs based on popularity, but perhaps more alarmingly, indicates that just these patterns alone can give unauthorized users a one-in-eight chance of success in accessing information from a stolen or lost phone. Such probabilities illustrate a significant vulnerability in digital security, urging users to diversify and complicate their password systems despite the effort involved in remembering more complex sequences. Developing PINs using a blend of randomness while avoiding easily guessable numbers remains a key recommendation.

Insights derived from this analysis mirror those seen with common passwords, where minimal variation leads to heightened chances of credential theft. Popular sequences like 1234 not only dominate PIN usage statistics but also show a parallel in password trends, emphasizing a pattern of cognitive biases where ease and familiarity take precedence over security. Even slight variations believed to be 'clever' by users, such as reversing numbers, are noted to remain inadequate against experienced hackers.

To solidify protection against potential security breaches, it's critical that technology users become conscious of these common pitfalls associated with digital security practices. Public guidance suggests embracing more sophisticated approaches and investing efforts into crafting PINs that resist prediction. As device and software developers enhance security components, individual users must also play proactive roles in reinforcing their defense mechanisms through informed and deliberate code choices.

Sources: TechSpot, ABC News

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