That four-digit PIN you use for your phone, bank card, or app logins might be a lot less secure than you think. Despite warnings from cybersecurity experts, millions still opt for simplicity over safety—and it’s making life easier for hackers. A new analysis of 29 million real-life PIN codes reveals a worrying trend: predictable combinations dominate our digital locks.
Why Convenience Is Compromising Your Security
In theory, a four-digit PIN has 10,000 possible combinations. In practice, most people gravitate toward easily memorable patterns—often involving repetition or personal significance. What is the most commonly used code? “1234.” It’s followed closely by “1111,” “0000,” and even birth years like “1986” or “2020.” These patterns are so widespread that researchers estimate a hacker has a one-in-eight chance of cracking your PIN at an ATM using just the top few combinations.
This habit isn’t just a quirk of laziness. It reflects how we often underestimate risk when it comes to everyday technology. Whether it’s unlocking a phone, approving a transaction, or logging into an account, the need for speed often outweighs the need for security. That makes predictable codes a prime target, not just for casual snoopers, but for serious data breaches.
The Most Hackable PIN Codes Are Hiding in Plain Sight
The list of top PINs reads like a guide for what not to use. Sequences like “1212” and “1342” appear frequently, along with easy-to-guess combos like “2222,” “4444,” and “1122.” These numbers might feel safe because they’re easy to remember, but they’re also among the first guesses in automated brute-force attacks. When combined with stolen phones or breached databases, these simple codes become dangerous entry points.
Despite the clear risks, the trend continues, showing how human behavior remains one of the weakest links in the cybersecurity chain. Changing your PIN might seem inconvenient, but in a world of increasing digital threats, it’s a small step that can make a big difference.
