This analysis reveals the most vulnerable four-digit codes. Is yours on the list?

As technology advances, digital security plays a crucial role in our lives.

However, many still choose convenience over complexity regarding personal identification numbers (PINs).

With cybercrime on the rise and scams becoming sophisticated and convincing, we must ensure that the PINs we use to protect our information are not a welcome mat for cybercriminals.


A recent analysis reported by Information is Beautiful revealed a startling truth: a significant number of us are still using the most predictable and familiar PINs.

Initially compiled by the late Nick Berry, the data highlighted a tendency to choose PINs that are easy to remember, such as simple sequences or repeating patterns.

The analysis, which examined 3.4 million leaked PINs, found that '1234' is the most common PIN, used by nearly 11 per cent of people, followed by other simple sequences.

These findings are a stark reminder that despite the risks, many people are not taking the necessary steps to protect themselves.


compressed-pexels-luis-gomes-166706-546819.jpeg
Hackers may crack into users' personal information in seconds if PINs are predictable. Image Credit: Pexels/Luis Gomes


This preference for simplicity over security is a hacker's dream, making their nefarious work easy.

In contrast, the data also shared the least common PINs.

These numbers are less intuitive and less vulnerable to quick breaches.

With 10,000 possible combinations for a four-digit PIN, choosing a less common sequence can significantly enhance your security.


Cybersecurity experts warned that using guessable PINs, such as birthdays or repeated patterns, can make users an easy target.

Jake Moore, a Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET, emphasised the importance of avoiding PINs related to personal information that may be easily accessible to attackers.

'People continue to use PIN codes that are commonly used or related to them and easily accessible, such as dates of birth,' he said.

'They may have used the same codes for years when cyber awareness was poorly documented.'


The most common pin number (1).jpg
A recent analysis revealed the common and least common PINs. Source: DataGenetics


The risks extend beyond just PINs for bank cards; they also apply to passwords for online services.

NordPass's research indicated that hackers can crack 70 per cent of passwords in less than a second, as many people still use common words or numerical strings.

According to NordPass Chief Technological Officer Tomas Smalakys, about 31 per cent of the world's most used passwords only contain numbers.

'Such passwords can be hacked almost instantly, as hackers use automated systems rather than typing them out,' he shared.

Professionals recommended using more complex passwords and PINs that combine random letters and numbers to protect yourself from cybersecurity threats.


While new passwords are challenging to remember, password managers can securely store and even generate random codes—eliminating the need to rely on easily guessable information.

For those concerned about online security, tools like 'Have I Been Pwned?' can help check if an email or password was compromised in a data breach.

If you find your information exposed, change your passwords immediately.

In addition to using a password manager, enabling two-factor authentication and staying informed about breaches are vital steps to bolstering your digital defences.
Key Takeaways

  • A data set revealed '1234' as the most commonly used four-digit PIN, found in around 11 per cent of a sample of 3.4 million passwords.
  • Cybersecurity experts warned that using easy-to-guess PINs or passwords can significantly increase the risk of cyber attacks and fraud.
  • The least common four-digit PINs were more complex and did not follow expected patterns, such as dates or repeating numbers.
  • For better online security, experts recommended using more complicated passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and using password managers.
Is your PIN putting your information at risk? If your code is on the list of common PINs, it might be time for a change. Share your experiences with digital security in the comments below.
 
Sponsored
My CBA card PIN is eight digits long. The standard four digit PIN has 10,000 possible combinations. By increasing the digits to eight, the number of combinations is increased to 100,000,000, thereby drastically reducing the chance of your PIN being "guessed".

Changing your PIN to a higher digit count is highly recommended. You can do this through your bank's online services or in branch (preferred).

Choose a word which is unique to you and known to as few people as possible. It might be your favourite band, first pet, mother's maiden name - much in the same style as a secret question required by some apps for verification. Remember that a word equates to a number on a keypad.

For example, Metallica equates to 638255422, giving a one chance in a billion in being guessed.

Metallica is, by no means, my favourite band. :p
 
Now that they have been published anyone who uses the least common numbers should consider changing their pin.

Because in 6 months they'll be used by millions of people.
Strangely enough, one of examples is used by me in a three step verification for an account I hold.

That number holds personal significance that I will never forget.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NotNats and DLHM
It doesn't mater what OIN or password you use... it's hackable.
I forgot my password and a person was able to get into the PC by running a program for a week 27/7.. that was 10 years ago so imagine what they can do today......
 
Since when could you use random letters & numbers for your PIN? There are no letters on the machines in stores where you would use your card which needs a PIN, only numbers. I do use birthdays for my PINs but they are ones from deceased family members. This also keeps those loved ones in my memory as I enter their date for a puchase. Also makes them less easily found by searching my profile or whatever scammers use to get this information.
 
Doesn't matter what you use.. its hackable.. the only thigs not hackable are fingerprints and iris recognition....that is the next thing... hopefully I will be chopped up by then...
I had a voice recognition once, whenI made it everything was fine thn one time I hd to use it and got knocked back? Itwas only when I took my teeth out that it worked bloody thing.
 
They are not pin numbers, they are your PIN. Personal identification number! Not personal identification number number!
Same as ATM. Not Automatic Teller Machine Machine

Since when could you use random letters & numbers for your PIN? There are no letters on the machines in stores where you would use your card which needs a PIN, only numbers. I do use birthdays for my PINs but they are ones from deceased family members. This also keeps those loved ones in my memory as I enter their date for a puchase. Also makes them less easily found by searching my profile or whatever scammers use to get this information.
1=ABC,2=DEF, 3=,GHI , etc.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NotNats and DLHM
My CBA card PIN is eight digits long. The standard four digit PIN has 10,000 possible combinations. By increasing the digits to eight, the number of combinations is increased to 100,000,000, thereby drastically reducing the chance of your PIN being "guessed".

Changing your PIN to a higher digit count is highly recommended. You can do this through your bank's online services or in branch (preferred).

Choose a word which is unique to you and known to as few people as possible. It might be your favourite band, first pet, mother's maiden name - much in the same style as a secret question required by some apps for verification. Remember that a word equates to a number on a keypad.

For example, Metallica equates to 638255422, giving a one chance in a billion in being guessed.

Metallica is, by no means, my favourite band. :p
Okay I was born blonde and now I'm old{ish} with it - I am trying to figure out how you got that number out of the word Metallica {I don't mind a bit of Metallica now and then}
 
Only 10 000 combinations? Surely given the speed of modern computing any of those combinations can be cracked quickly? Turing's mechanical bombes worked very effectively to crack the complexities of Enigma.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Veggiepatch

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×