Weak PINs are the easiest way for attackers to break into any system.
In today’s world, including India, people are troubled by those who usurp their hard-earned money using advanced technology. India was one of the most targeted countries in the world, experiencing a 33% year-on-year increase in cyber attacks in the first quarter of 2024, according to a software firm. During these cyber attacks, personal information and bank details are stolen through flaws in devices, and sometimes money is withdrawn from bank accounts remotely. In most cases, attackers exploit flaws in an app or system, but setting a very weak PIN or password can also invite hackers.
In India, as in other countries, some people use PINs to keep themselves digitally safe, but they often choose PINs that are easy for cyber attackers to crack. As mentioned, a report by Check Point Software Technologies states that in the first quarter of 2024, India topped the list of most targeted countries, with a 33% year-on-year increase in cyber attacks. Although many factors contribute to this, one major reason is the use of weak PINs. The latest report from ‘Information is Beautiful’ shows that many people use very simple patterns in their security codes. Weak PINs are the easiest way for attackers to break into any system. A weak PIN can be anything like ‘0000’, ‘1234’, or a person’s birthday, which is often publicly visible on social media profiles. Some people also use the first or last digits of their phone number, not realizing that their phone number can be easily obtained by attackers. A recent cybersecurity study revealed that many people use very common patterns in their security codes. Of the 3.4 million PINs tested, the most common patterns are:
1234
1111
0000
1212
7777
1004
2000
4444
2222
6969
In a statement to the Daily Mail, ESET cybersecurity expert Jake Moore advised against using simple passcodes, which could leave people vulnerable to cyberattacks. According to Moore, many people underestimate the risks “until they fall into the trap.” He said, “Skilled hackers can potentially crack a significant portion of passcode guesses within a limited number of attempts. The use of easy-to-guess PINs enables attackers to target people more easily.”
Other very simple and common 4-digit PINs include:
8557
8438
9539
7063
6827
0859
6793
0738
6835
8093