We set a PIN code only in a few cases – to protect a card or phone. By choosing only 4 digits, we try to choose a combination that is easy to remember and recall in an emergency. However, if your phone or card is lost or stolen, a PIN that is easy to guess will make it easier for attackers to gain access to your personal or financial data.
The most common four-digit PIN code that appears in data leaks is “1234”, writes CNBC. This is according to a recent analysis by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, based on a database containing more than 320 million leaked passwords and PINs.
Some of the PINs on the list are just a little more complicated than others.
Thirty of the 50 four-digit PINs most commonly found in leaks start with “19” or “20” – likely the year of the owner's birth. This code is relatively easy to crack if you've ever posted your date of birth on social media.
Other common formats include repeating numbers, such as “1111” and “0000”.
Here are the 50 most common four-digit PINs, according to the analysis: 1234, 1111, 0000, 1342, 1212, 2222, 4444, 1122, 1986, 2020, 7777, 5555, 1989, 9999, 6969, 2004, 1010, 4321, 6666, 1984, 1987, 1985, 8888, 2000, 1980, 1988, 1982, 2580, 1313, 1990, 1991, 1983, 1978, 1979, 1995, 1994, 1977, 1981, 3333, 1992, 1975, 2005, 1993, 1976, 1996, 2002, 1973, 2468, 1998, 1974.
If your PIN matches one of the above, you should consider changing it.