Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) are critical to securing your bank account and financial transactions. While they offer an added layer of security, using easily guessable or commonly used numbers can make your account vulnerable to theft or hacking. Here are some numbers you should avoid using as your PIN and why.
1. Sequential Numbers (1234, 5678, etc.)
Sequential numbers are among the most common PIN combinations. Hackers often start with these numbers when attempting to crack a PIN. Studies have shown that “1234” is the most used PIN globally, making it an obvious choice for fraudsters.
2. Repetitive Numbers (1111, 2222, etc.)
Another commonly used pattern is repetitive numbers. While they are easy to remember, they are just as easy to guess. Many brute-force algorithms are designed to try these patterns first.
3. Significant Dates (Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc.)
Using your birth year, date of birth, or an anniversary as your PIN is risky. Such information is often available on social media or through public records. If a thief knows your birth date, they have a head start in guessing your PIN.
4. Phone Numbers or Addresses
Many people use their phone numbers or addresses as their PIN for convenience. However, these are also easy to guess, especially if your wallet or ID containing this information is stolen.
