If your PIN code is on this list of the most used keys, change it quickly!

Although largely discouraged, the most common PIN codes continue to be favored by many users, who appear to be unaware of the risks of their devices being hacked.

Despite repeated warnings from cybersecurity experts, it is clear that many of us persist in using simplistic PIN codes to lock our smartphones.

An in-depth analysis of the site Information is beautiful revealed that of 3.4 million PIN codes leaked in cyberattacks, more than 10% of them were “1234”, used to unlock a mobile or as a bank card code. Scary, when we know everything a hacker can do with the data on our smartphones or the code on our card. So, at a time when the most used password in France is still “123456”, when will we finally realize that we need to reinforce our machines with more robust passwords or solutions?

The most used PIN codes, a risky choice

Based on the research of Nick Berry, former analyst at Meta, it has been established that the most common combinations of numbers to unlock a smartphone remain 1234, 0000 or even 1111. Easy to remember, these sequences do not remain. less extremely vulnerable to hacking attempts. Indeed, cybercriminals now have sophisticated tools allowing them to “crack” a PIN code in just a few minutes, or even instantly, like Clubic showed it to you for passwords.

You would think that security recommendations and the availability on the market of cyber protection would be enough for users to realize that their devices are in danger with these PIN codes that are as easy to remember as they are to hack. It is not so. For convenience or ignorance of the consequences, too many users persist in favoring the worst security options. This negligence is all the more dangerous as the consequences can be disastrous, with an increased risk of identity theft, scam or extortion.

Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, warns of this “user ignorance” to the Daily Mail. “ People put themselves at risk by having weak passwords and PINs and often don’t fully understand the threat until they are compromised “.

This is why more than 10% of the PIN codes among the 3.4 million of those used in Nick Berry’s study are still the following:

• 1234
• 1111
• 0000
• 1212
• 7777
• 1004
• 2000
• 4444
• 2222
• 6969

If you recognize your PIN in this list, then your personal data, like your bank account, is in more danger than you think.

How to strengthen the protection of your devices

To effectively protect against cyber threats, experts recommend the use of a random PIN code, ideally combining letters, numbers and special characters. Opting for a sequence devoid of apparent logic currently remains the best solution to automatic decryption programs.

Among the good practices to adopt: avoid dates of birth, numbers or words that are easy to guess, and regularly renew your PIN code.

As Jake Moore explains, “ Password managers provide complete security when this information cannot always be remembered and they can help generate completely random codes so you don’t just rely on your birthday “.

Activating automatic locking after a short period of inactivity will also reduce the risk of intrusion in the event of loss or theft. So many actions which, although restrictive on a daily basis, represent a necessary evil to ensure the security of our devices and our private data.

You can also help yourself from the list of least used PIN codes below:

• 8557
• 8438
• 9539
• 7063
• 6827
• 0859
• 6793
• 0738
• 6835
• 8093

For the more cautious among you, who are afraid of forgetting a PIN code that is too complex or that does not mean anything personal, Clubic gives you its tips for unlocking your Android smartphone. Not to mention that iPhone users can also experience memory problems.

Finally, you can also strengthen the security of your smartphones by doubling the MFA PIN code, or 2FA, or use biometrics, i.e. your fingerprint or facial recognition, to unlock your mobile.

Source : Cybersecurity Insiders, Information is Beautiful, Daily Mail