Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) are essential for securing bank accounts, credit cards, and mobile money services. However, many people unknowingly choose weak PINs that make their accounts vulnerable to hackers and fraudsters. Cybersecurity experts warn that using predictable PINs increases the risk of unauthorized access to your funds. Here are some numbers you should never use as your PIN.
1. 1234, 0000, or Other Simple Sequences
The most commonly used PINs are “1234” and “0000.” These combinations are extremely weak because they are easy to guess. Hackers and fraudsters always try these first when attempting to access a bank account. Other predictable sequences, such as “1111,” “2222,” and “5678,” are equally unsafe.
2. Your Year of Birth
Many people use their birth year, such as “1990” or “2000,” as a PIN because it’s easy to remember. However, this is a huge security risk. Fraudsters can easily find your date of birth from social media or identity documents and use that information to guess your PIN.
3. Your Phone Number or Part of It
Some people use the last four digits of their phone number, thinking it is a secure option. However, phone numbers are often publicly available, and anyone with access to your contact details can attempt to guess your PIN using this method.
4. Repeating Digits (4444, 7777, etc.)
Just like simple sequences, repeating digits are a terrible choice for a PIN. Cybercriminals often use automated programs to generate possible PINs, and repetitive numbers are high on the list of commonly guessed combinations.
5. 123456, 112233, or Other Common Patterns
Longer PINs like “123456” or repeating patterns like “112233” might seem unique, but they are actually some of the most frequently used PINs worldwide. Hackers can easily try these numbers in an attempt to access your account.
How to Choose a Strong PIN
To protect your bank account from unauthorized access, choose a PIN that is:
– Random and unique: Avoid using any personal information or common number patterns.
– Difficult to guess: Use a combination of numbers that do not follow a sequence or repetition.
– Different from other PINs: Never use the same PIN for multiple accounts.
By avoiding these weak PIN numbers and following cybersecurity best practices, you can reduce the risk of financial fraud and keep your money safe.