Your credit or debit card PIN is the first barrier against misuse. However, as it is a sequence of just four digits, it is relatively easy to decipher, representing a risk in terms of digital security. Although the bank card PIN is only requested for in-person purchases, its degree of protection is reduced, especially given the advancement of current technologies, such as artificial intelligence.
With only 10,000 possible combinations, a four-digit PIN can be quickly discovered through trial and error methods. This fragility was highlighted in a study carried out by a former Facebook data analyst, who examined millions of four-digit combinations, identifying the most common PINs. Although the data analyzed does not come directly from actual PIN codes, the results reflect a worrying vulnerability.
According to the study, almost 11% of the 3.4 million codes analyzed corresponded to the number ‘1234’. This data reveals the frequent choice of obvious sequences by users, facilitating unauthorized access. Additionally, the study concluded that more than 25% of the codes could be guessed in just 20 attempts.
The 10 most common and insecure bank card PIN code combinations identified were:
- 1234
- 1111
- 0000
- 1212
- 7777
- 1004
- 2000
- 4444
- 2222
- 6969
Repeating numbers and simple patterns like these are popular but not very safe options. To protect your card effectively, the ideal is to choose completely random combinations. The study highlighted that the ‘8068’ code is one of the most difficult to guess.
In addition to avoiding obvious patterns, it is essential not to share your PIN, even with people claiming to be bank representatives, as this could be a fraud attempt. It is also recommended to avoid using dates of birth or personal information, as these significantly reduce the options, making the code more vulnerable. Protecting your PIN is essential to keeping your finances safe in increasingly complex digital environments.
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