Your credit or debit card PIN is the first line of defense against misuse. However, as it is a sequence of just four digits, it can become relatively easy to decipher, posing a risk in terms of digital security. Although the bank card PIN is only requested for in-person purchases, its level 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 conducted by a former Facebook data analyst, who analyzed 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, revealing how often users choose obvious sequences, facilitating unauthorized access. Additionally, more than 25% of the codes could be guessed in just 20 tries.
The 10 most common and insecure PIN combinations identified were:
1234
1111
0000
1212
7777
1004
2000
4444
2222
6969
Repeating numbers and simple patterns, such as those shown, are popular but not very safe choices. To protect your card effectively, the ideal is to opt for truly random combinations. The study highlighted that code 8068 is one of the most difficult to guess.
In addition to avoiding obvious patterns, it is essential not to share your bank card PIN, even with people claiming to be bank representatives, as this could be a fraud attempt. It is also recommended to avoid dates of birth or other personal information, which significantly reduce the options, making the code more vulnerable. Protecting your PIN is essential to guarantee the security of your finances in an increasingly complex digital environment.
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