While many people focus on passwords, don’t forget about your PINs — which are often the first line of defense for devices like smartphones and home security systems. A weak PIN is like a chink in your armor, and unfortunately, most people choose codes that are too easy to guess. If you think you’re safe with a four-digit PIN, think again.
A recent report from Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) revealed that among 29 million hacked PINs shared on the HaveIBeenPwned platform, nearly 10% of people used the same predictable combination: 1234. The ABC found that other frequently used codes include 1111, 0000, and even birth years like 1986, all of which are highly insecure.
You can check out the top 50 most common PINs uncovered by ABC in their article, which includes a fascinating data visualization. Among the most common codes, you’ll find predictable patterns like 4444, 1212, and 2222, which are easy targets for anyone trying to hack your account.
With up to 10,000 possible combinations for a four-digit PIN, using a simple code like 1234 is an unnecessary security risk. Even longer PINs like 123456 can be easily cracked. So, how can you protect yourself?
The solution is straightforward: create a random PIN using a password generator, or choose one that’s personal and meaningful to you. If you don’t already use a password manager, consider investing in one, as it will make generating and managing secure codes much easier. In the meantime, change your PIN to something more secure, like a set of digits with personal significance that aren’t easily guessed by others.