Cybercriminals are always looking for a vulnerability they can exploit; one of the most common being an easy-to-guess PIN. We use PINs in many aspects of our lives from unlocking phones and other devices to using your debit or credit card. So how secure is your PIN? Do you see your PIN below?
- 1234
- 1111
- 0000
- 1342
- 1212
- 2222
- 4444
- 1122
- 1986
- 2020
This list contains the 10 most common 4-digit PINs. If your PIN is listed above, your digital security may be at risk. Whether you want to change your PIN or need to establish a new one, follow these tips:
Make it Longer: Choose a PIN that is longer than 4 digits whenever you have the option. Similar to longer passwords, a longer PIN may be harder to guess.
Keep it Unpredictable: Avoid using straight lines or patterns. You should also avoid using personal information such as birthdays, anniversaries, or other important dates.
Make it a Word or Phrase: Map the letters on a telephone keypad to a word or the first letter of each word in a phrase. For example, the word “RISK” translates to the PIN “7475”, or the phrase “Reduce My Digital Risk” translates to “7637”.
Mix it Up: It is recommended that you occasionally change your PIN to keep the scammers guessing.
Never Reuse a PIN: By making each PIN number unique, you minimize the damage if your information is compromised.
Once you have created a strong PIN, it should be treated with the same care as a password. Protecting this information serves as the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your information.
For more tips to keep your information safe and to view our latest fraud and security alerts, visit our website, https://mcfcu.org/security/fraud-security/. If you have any questions, please reach out to a knowledgeable member of our team by sending a secure digital banking message, calling 800.834.0082, or stopping in a local branch.
Thank you for being an important part of the MC Family!
