It’s essential to keep your phone secure, and one of the most fundamental ways to do that is by using a strong PIN. However, a recent report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation highlights a troubling trend: many users opt for easily guessable four-digit PINs. The data reveals that the most commonly used PIN, 1234, accounts for one in ten codes analyzed from 29 million entries.
Other widely used codes include 0000 and 1111, demonstrating a pattern of convenience over security. This issue isn’t just about laziness; it presents a genuine risk. If a thief comes across your phone, their chances of accessing it increase significantly if they guess one of these popular PINs.
Notably, PINs that reflect a person’s birth year, such as 1986, also rank high in usage, exposing users further. Special dates such as Christmas (2512) are also frequently employed, particularly outside the U.S., where date formats differ. Interestingly, some users may believe they are being clever by choosing codes like 1342, a simple twist on 1234.
Even more concerning is the frequency of combinations like 2580, which directly corresponds to the layout on a standard keypad. Mathematically, if a phone thief has only a few attempts before the device becomes locked or erased, using one of the most popular PINs can make it alarmingly easy to succeed. The chance of guessing the correct PIN can rise to 15% when narrowed down to the fifty most common codes.
To ensure better security, it’s advisable to avoid the following commonly used four-digit PINs:
1. 1234 (9.0% popularity)
2. 1111 (1.6%)
3.
0000 (1.1%)
4. 1342 (0.6%)
5. 1212 (0.4%)
The list continues, and thus, individuals should consider creating unique, less predictable combinations to protect their personal information.