Common PIN Codes Put Users at Risk: Are You One of the 27%?

Common PIN Codes Put Users at Risk: Are You One of the 27%?

In today’s digital world, strong security habits are more important than ever. From online banking and mobile phones to workplace systems and personal apps, PIN codes are often one of the first lines of defence protecting sensitive information. Yet many people continue to use PINs that are surprisingly easy to guess.

A recent analysis has highlighted a concerning trend: around 27% of users rely on easily guessable 4-digit PIN codes. This means more than one in four people could be putting their personal data, accounts, and devices at unnecessary risk simply by choosing a predictable combination.

The top 20 most common PINs identified in the analysis include:

1. 1234
2. 5555
3. 0000
4. 1122
5. 7777
6. 8888
7. 2222
8. 2001
9. 9999
10. 2000
11. 1111
12. 1212
13. 1004
14. 4444
15. 6969
16. 3333
17. 6666
18. 1313
19. 4231
20. 1010

Creating a strong PIN is one of the simplest ways to protect your personal information, accounts, and devices from unauthorised access. While short or familiar number combinations may be easy to remember, they are also much easier for attackers to guess. By following a few basic dos and don’ts, users can make their PINs significantly harder to crack and reduce the risk of security breaches.

Creating a strong PIN is one of the simplest ways to protect your personal information, accounts, and devices from unauthorised access. Short or familiar number combinations may be easy to remember, but they are also much easier for attackers to guess. The table below outlines clear dos and don’ts to help users choose safer, more secure PIN codes.

Creating a strong PIN is one of the simplest ways to protect your personal information, accounts, and devices from unauthorised access. Short or familiar number combinations may be easy to remember, but they are also much easier for attackers to guess. The table below outlines clear dos and don’ts to help users choose safer, more secure PIN codes.

Do’s	Don’t
Use a longer PIN where possible, ideally 6–8 digits.	Use obvious sequences such as 1234, 2345, or 6789.
Choose a random number combination.	Reuse the same PIN across banking apps, phones, and workplace systems.
Use a different PIN for each account or device.	Keep using a PIN after a data breach, lost device, or suspicious activity.
Change your PIN if it may have been exposed.	Use birthdays, anniversaries, house numbers, or memorable years.
Avoid numbers linked to your personal life.	Rely on a PIN alone for important accounts if stronger security options exist.
Store codes securely if you need help remembering them.	Use repeated digits such as 0000, 1111, 5555, or 9999.
Enable extra protection such as biometrics or two-factor authentication.	Assume a PIN is safe just because you have used it for years.

Cybersecurity experts warn that these predictable combinations make it alarmingly easy for hackers to gain access to personal accounts, potentially cracking a code in mere minutes.

To safeguard against potential breaches, it is now standard to utilize 6 to 8 digit codes. Users are also encouraged to avoid using personal information, such as birth dates, in their PINs. By choosing unique, hard-to-guess combinations, individuals can significantly enhance their online security and protect their sensitive data.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed and take proactive steps to secure personal information. For more insights, visit Information is Beautiful.