The PIN code is the ATM card’s first line of defense, functioning as a personal key that allows face-to-face operations, such as withdrawals and payments at physical terminals. However, many users continue to opt for simple and easily predictable combinations, which can compromise the security of their accounts.
Increased risk with obvious codes
The Multibanco card code, made up of four digits, is essential for validating transactions in the physical world, but is not useful for online operations, which require additional layers of security. Still, choosing numbers that are too common, such as “1234” or dates of birth, makes life easier for cybercriminals, especially in situations where the card is lost or stolen.
Experts warn of the importance of selecting codes that are difficult to guess and making periodic changes. Marketeer highlights that, despite the high number of possible combinations, repeated patterns remain very common and are therefore targeted.
Technology facilitates attacks
With the advancement of artificial intelligence, the time required to test PIN combinations has been drastically reduced, transforming a previously slow process into an immediate threat. Thus, predictable combinations become vulnerable to automated attacks that quickly try all possibilities.
Worrying data about choosing PINs
According to a study cited by the same source, which analyzed millions of numeric passwords taken from compromised databases, 11% of the PIN codes analyzed were “1234”. Furthermore, more than a quarter of the codes could be discovered in up to 20 attempts, a worrying number considering that many systems block the card after just three to five errors.
The most common PINs include “1234”, “1111”, “0000”, “1212”, “7777” and “6969”. The use of personal dates, such as birthdays, is also common, but drastically reduces the card’s security.
Random combinations and safety practices
To increase protection, it is recommended to choose random sequences that do not follow obvious patterns. An example is “8068”, a code that is little used and difficult to predict.
In addition to avoiding repetitions or simple sequences, it is essential to never share your PIN, even if someone presents themselves as a bank employee. Financial institutions never request this information.
Recommendations to avoid fraud
When entering the PIN on a terminal, you must always protect the keyboard from the view of third parties to prevent capture by hidden cameras or prying eyes. It is also important not to store the code in accessible places, such as notes in your wallet or cell phone.
If it is suspected that the Multibanco code has been compromised, the bank must be contacted immediately to block the card and avoid losses.
Updating code regularly and choosing combinations that are difficult to predict are fundamental practices for maintaining security.
The importance of multi-factor authentication
In addition to a strong PIN, adopting multi-factor authentication in online banking significantly increases security.
Combining the PIN with other factors, such as codes sent to the cell phone or biometric recognition, makes unauthorized access attempts much more difficult.
Therefore, maintaining a robust PIN and using additional verification mechanisms are complementary strategies for more effective bank account protection.
Look at your account
According to the same source, despite seeming like a simple detail, the PIN can be the ATM card’s biggest vulnerability when chosen in a predictable way.
With the evolution of the methods used by cybercriminals, attention to this detail becomes essential to protect money and personal data.
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