Change your ATM pin if you have used something like this?

India has experienced a significant increase of 33% in cyber attacks in the first quarter of 2024, according to a report by Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. This surge in cyber attacks has positioned India among the most targeted nations worldwide. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting individuals, businesses, and governments by exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. They employ various techniques, including phishing scams and ransomware, to gain unauthorized access and steal sensitive information.

Common PIN Patterns Make Users Vulnerable
One of the key factors contributing to the rise in cyber attacks is the use of weak Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). A weak PIN, such as "1234" or "0000," is an easy target for attackers. Similarly, using easily guessable PINs based on personal information like birth dates or phone numbers can also make individuals vulnerable to cyber threats.


A recent cybersecurity study by Information is Beautiful revealed that many people tend to use simple patterns in their PINs. Among the 3.4 million PINs analyzed, the most common patterns included "1234," "1111," "0000," and others. Choosing such simple or easily guessable PINs can make individuals an easy target for cybercriminals.

The most common 4-digit PINs, according to a recent cybersecurity study by Information is Beautiful, are:

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

Expert Advice: Use Strong, Unique PINs and Password Managers

Jake Moore, a cybersecurity expert from ESET, warned against using simple passcodes, as they can increase vulnerability to cyberattacks. He emphasized that many people underestimate the risk until they fall victim to a cyberattack. Skilled hackers can potentially crack a significant portion of passcode guesses within a limited number of attempts.

Moore strongly recommends avoiding using birth years, personal information, or repeated passwords for personal accounts, including social media. Using easily guessable PINs and passwords makes individuals more susceptible to cyber threats, enabling attackers to target them more easily.

Despite taking precautions, passcodes can still be hacked. Moore suggests using password managers for added security. These tools can safeguard personal information and generate completely random codes, reducing reliance on easily guessable patterns.

Some of the least common 4-digit PINs are:

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

It is crucial to prioritize security when selecting PINs and passwords to protect accounts and devices from cyber threats. Using strong, unique PINs and password managers can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information.