The PIN code is the most basic protection of the ATM card, acting as a personal key. However, many users choose simple and easy to guess, which facilitates unauthorized access.
The ease of predictable numbers
Although PIN is needed only for face -to -face transactions and not enough for online operations, its simplicity can be explored when the chosen numbers follow obvious patterns. Marketeer publication warns that, even with thousands of possible hypotheses, there are choices that are repeated and are widely known to those who try to access other people’s accounts.
According to the same source, technological progress, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence, dramatically shortened the time required to test different combinations. What was once a slow process can now be performed in seconds, increasing the risk of breach of safety.
Exposed data show risky trends
A study conducted by a target data analyst, based on passwords composed of four numbers obtained through committed databases, allowed to draw a portrait of the most frequent preferences of users.
Although the focus of the study, according to Marketeer, was not directly the PIN codes, the results are revealing.
Among the 3.4 million records examined, 11% corresponded to the sequence “1234”. This data alone demonstrates the degree of predictability of many choices. Other common combinations involve repetitions of simple numeric digits and sequences, chosen because they are easy to memorize.
More than 25% of the codes analyzed, as noted by Marketeer, could be discovered in only 20 attempts, a worrying number considering that security systems often allow three to five attempts before blocking the card.
The most often chosen codes
Among the most used PIN stand out the following: “1234”, “1111”, “0000”, “1212”, “7777”, “1004”, “2000”, “4444”, “2222” and “6969”. These sequences are among the first to be tested in any attempted improper access due to their high incidence.
According to the, it is also often the use of sentimental dates, such as birthdays. Although this practice facilitates memorization, dramatically limits the diversity of possibilities and reduces the effectiveness of the code as a security barrier.
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Random choices are safer
As highlighted by Marketeer, the best way to protect a multibanco card is to opt for a random numerical sequence without apparent logic. A mentioned example is “8068”, a combination that is underement and difficult to predict, precisely because it does not follow any common standard.
Avoiding obvious sequences or repetitions is one of the most effective measures to protect bank data. Even with advanced technological tools, random code continues to represent a significant obstacle to attempts to guess.
Also, it is essential never to share PIN with anyone. Any request that arises in this regard, even if allegedly from the bank, should be considered suspicious, since banking institutions never request this information.
Good safety practices
Along with the choice of PIN, other simple attitudes can reinforce safety. As referred to by the same source, whenever you enter the code in a payment terminal, seek to cover the keyboard. Also avoid writing the number in affordable places such as wallets or mobile phone covers.
If you have reason to suspect your code may have been compromised, you must immediately contact your banking institution. A swift response may be decisive to avoid damage.
Another important recommendation, according to Marketeer, is the periodic PIN update. Exchanging the code regularly without resorting to repetitive standards is an effective way to reduce the risk of improper access.
Security starts with the choice of PIN
Although it seems a smaller detail, according to Marketter, a predictable PIN code may represent a serious failure to protect the bank account. The growing sophistication of the methods used by cybercriminals requires extra attention.
According to the same source, adopting unusual combinations, maintaining discretion and following good practices are simple ways to avoid major problems. If your Multibanco Card Pin is among the most chosen, it may be the right time to replace it.
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