There are 10,000 possible combinations in a 4-digit numeric PIN code. Out of those, which is the least commonly used? Which pin code is the least predictable, and which is the most predictable?
Nick Berry sought answers from the data from released/exposed password tables and security breaches.
DataGenetics via InformationIsBeautiful
You guessed it ... the most common PIN code is 1234. Unfortunately, that choice accounts for about 11% of all pin codes based on the 3.4 million data points evaluated. After that, 1111 represents 6% of the population, 0000 2% of the population, followed by several other less popular answers. The top 10 include 1212, 7777, 1004, 2000, 4444, 2222, and 6969.
I share these examples mostly to say that if you use one of those codes ... change it.
You should also change your pin code if you use your birth date or anniversary year as your pin.
I won't share the least popular PIN codes, as I assume they'll also get added to a hacker's potential key list.
Practicality aside, Nick Berry's article is fascinating if data and analytics interest you.
As a reminder, the greatest weakness in your data, your business's data, and the data of your loved ones ... is you.
As for passwords ... I recommend not knowing them. You can't disclose what you don't know. Consequently, I recommend a password manager like LastPass, Dashlane, or 1Password.
Some other basic tips include:
- Keep all of your software up to date (to avoid extra vulnerabilities).
- Don't use public wifi if you can help it (and use a VPN if you can't).
- Have a firewall on your computer and a backup of all your important data.
- Never share your personal information on an e-mail or a call that you did not initiate - if they legitimately need your information, you can call them.
- Don't trust strangers on the internet (no, a Nigerian Prince does not want to send you money).
- And, turn on 2-factor authentication ... even if it's annoying.
How many cybersecurity measures you take comes down to two simple questions ... First, how much pain and hassle are you willing to deal with to protect your data? And, second, how much pain is a hacker willing to go through to get to your data?
It doesn't make sense to put all your data in a lockbox computer that never connects to a network ... nevertheless, it might be worth it to go to that extreme for pieces of your data.
Think about what the data is worth to you, or someone else, and protect it accordingly.
