In today's digital age, the security of your personal devices is more critical than ever. While passwords often steal the spotlight, it’s vital to consider another access point: your PIN code. Those four little digits bolstering the security of your smartphone can be surprisingly vulnerable!

You might argue that biometric authentication methods—like fingerprints or facial recognition—offer a safer alternative. However, there could be times when you need to rely on your PIN, especially after updates or resets. So, what if we told you that there’s a definitive list of 50 PIN codes you should absolutely avoid at all costs?

The Vulnerability of PIN Codes

PIN codes, while convenient, aren't the fortress you might think they are. Even though a four-digit code allows for 10,000 possible combinations (0000 to 9999), some codes are alarmingly common and can be cracked much quicker than you’d imagine.

A staggering analysis of over 29 million PIN codes exposed in data breaches revealed that one in ten users opted for the same four-digit combinations. This alarming statistic highlights the risk of relying on commonly used PIN codes, which can make you an easy target!

Top 50 PIN Codes to Avoid

Here’s the list of 50 PIN codes you should never use if you want to protect your smartphone and your sensitive data:

0000 1010 1111 1122 1212 1234 1313 1342 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2005 2020 2222 2468 2580 3333 4321 4444 5555 6666 6969 7777 8888 9999.

Organized numerically, it’s easier to check if your PIN matches these vulnerable entries. The top ten most frequently used PINs are:

1. 1234 2. 1111 3. 0000 4. 1342 5. 1212 6. 2222 7. 4444 8. 1122 9. 1986 10. 2020.

The Best Way to Protect Yourself!

Don’t ditch your PIN just yet! Instead, consider opting for a longer code. A ten-digit PIN, for instance, drastically increases your security. You might even think about using a password to lock your phone—numbers only, if you prefer simplicity. Choose a combination that’s easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.

Stay smart and secure in the digital world—your privacy is worth the extra effort!