Avoid the Top 20: How to Choose a Secure PIN That Keeps Hackers Out!

Because, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is EVERY MONTH!
 Avoid the Top 20: How to Choose a Secure PIN That Keeps Hackers Out!

27% of PIN codes are shockingly easy to guess! Learn why common choices like '1234' and '0000' are high-risk, and discover expert tips to create an uncrackable PIN that protects your accounts.

IMAGE: A data visualization showing the prevalence of various four-digit PIN codes based on an analysis of 3.4 million data points from breaches. It uses a heatmap to illustrate the most and least common PINs. Brighter areas indicate frequently used PINs, with "1234," "1111," "0000," and "1212" among the most common. Darker spots represent less frequently used PINs, making them more secure choices. The chart also reveals patterns, such as people using birthdates (highlighted by the line across common dates) and sequences, making their PINs more predictable. The source at the bottom attributes the data to datagenetics.com.

Our devices are as essential as our house keys, protecting your digital accounts with a strong PIN is more critical than ever. Unfortunately, millions of people unknowingly choose PINs that hackers could guess in seconds. From phone passcodes to ATM PINs, using an insecure PIN could be an open invitation for cybercriminals. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here’s a guide on why common PINs are dangerous, and how you can create a safe, memorable code.

The Danger Zone: Common PINs That Hackers Love

According to an analysis of 3.4 million PINs from data breaches (source: Information is Beautiful), 27% of all PINs are shockingly predictable. Here’s a list of the most common PINs hackers are likely to try first:

- 1234 - The most popular and riskiest PIN. Over 10% of users still pick this code!

- 0000, 1111, 2222 - Simple repeating numbers are easy for hackers to guess.

- 1212, 1004, 2000 - Patterns like dates or repeating digits also rank high on the "Most Common" list.

These numbers may seem easy to remember, but that convenience comes at the cost of security.

Why Are These PINs So Risky?

Hackers exploit common human tendencies to select easy-to-remember codes. By trying these common PINs first, they can gain access to many accounts with minimal effort. Imagine leaving your front door wide open—choosing a PIN like “1234” or “1111” is essentially the digital equivalent. 

Choosing a Secure PIN: 5 Expert Tips

Creating a secure PIN doesn’t have to mean choosing something you can’t remember. Here are five strategies to help you create a PIN that’s both safe and memorable:

1. Avoid Patterns and Sequences  

   Numbers like "1234" or "9876" might seem random, but they follow an obvious sequence. Instead, choose a combination that doesn't form a recognizable pattern.

2. Stay Clear of Birthdates  

   Many people use birthdays or significant dates, which are easier to guess if someone knows basic details about you. Try using numbers unrelated to any personal information.

3. Mix It Up with Non-Sequential Numbers  

   A mix of numbers without any sequential or repeating patterns, such as "2947" or "5803," is harder to guess and doesn't fit into common patterns.

4. Consider Longer PINs If Allowed  

   If your device or account allows for more than four digits, take advantage of it. A six-digit PIN like "763948" adds significantly more security because it increases the possible combinations exponentially.

5. Use Memory Aids  

   If random numbers seem challenging to remember, try creating a personal formula. For example, combine the last two digits of two important years (like "19" from 2019 and "94" from 1994 to get "1994"). Just make sure it’s unique and not easily linked to you.

The Power of a Strong PIN

A strong PIN might seem like a small step, but it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your online accounts. A safe PIN guards your personal information, financial data, and digital identity from prying eyes. It’s like locking the door to your digital life, keeping it secure against unwanted intruders.

If you’re still using a PIN from the common list above, it’s time to switch things up! Take a few minutes to reset your PIN to something unique and unpredictable. By doing so, you’ll make a huge stride towards safeguarding your digital security.

Stay vigilant, stay secure, and remember—safety starts with you!

Share this post if you learned something new, or comment below if you have any other tips for choosing a strong PIN.

Visual Credit: Information is Beautiful

#CyberSecurity #DigitalSafety #PINProtection #StaySecure #OnlineSafety