It's time for a digital wake-up call: if you haven’t changed your PIN code recently, now’s the moment! With cyber threats looming large, your four-digit PIN could be the Achilles' heel to your smartphone security. Think about it—your PIN unlocks access to all your personal data, so how secure is yours?

Recent analyses show that one in ten people rely on the same few numeric combinations, making it alarmingly easy for potential hackers. If you think your PIN is complex enough to stand alone, think again! Avoiding widely used codes is crucial for safeguarding your information.

The 50 PIN Codes You Must Never Use

Here’s a list of 50 common PIN codes that you should ditch immediately to maintain your privacy and security:

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

Not only should you steer clear of the above numbers, but it's a good idea to avoid birthdays and anniversaries too. Remember: the more unique your PIN, the less likely it is to be cracked by a casual snoop. “Random” locks are your best bet!

A Brief Look at PIN History

Curious about how we got here? The Personal Identification Number (PIN) was first conceptualized by James Goodfellow, who along with the ATM, revolutionized how we interact with our finances back in 1966. PINs gained popularity with the implementation of bank cards in the '70s, quickly becoming a fundamental element of secure transactions.

Not Just PINs: Password Safeguards Too!

While we’re at it, it’s also crucial to examine your passwords. Here’s a quick list of common passwords you should remove from your digital life immediately:

000000 111111 123456 qwerty password monkey iloveyou welcome