Cybersecurity Experts Warn Against Popular PIN Codes; Recommend Longer, Complex Combinations

Islamabad: Cybersecurity experts have warned that many commonly used four-digit PIN codes, once considered secure, have now become easy targets for hackers due to their increasing popularity online.
According to IT expert Devi Winder, once a PIN gains popularity on the internet, it becomes vulnerable almost immediately. For example, the number 8068 was once seen as one of the most secure options, but after gaining traction online, it turned into an easy target for cybercriminals.
Winder further noted that other PINs such as 6835, 7637, 8093, and 9629 have faced the same fate. He explained that cracking a four-digit PIN code only requires 10,000 combinations, a number easily manageable through automated brute-force attacks.
Experts strongly recommend using six-digit or twelve-digit PINs instead of simple four-digit codes. They also advise against using personal information such as birthdates or repeated patterns like “0000” or “1234.”
Among the most commonly used and insecure passwords are “000000,” “1234567,” “charlie,” and “iloveyou.” Winder emphasized that using the same PIN across multiple platforms is a significant security risk.
In an article published in Forbes, Winder reminded users that “passwords that are easy to type and simple to remember are your biggest mistake.” He encouraged people to avoid convenience-based security habits and adopt more robust practices to protect their phones and accounts.