Data analysis site Information is Beautiful reveals that more than 10% of the 3.4 million PIN codes leaked in cyberattacks were simply “1234”. Despite this alarming reality, some codes that are easy to remember and therefore easy to hack remain among the most used in France.
To protect against cyberthreats, Clublic experts recommend using a random PIN code, combining letters, numbers and special characters. Opting for a number sequence that makes no logical sense is the best defense against automatic hacking programs today.
Avoid obvious combinations such as dates of birth or numbers that are easy to guess. Regularly renewing your PIN code for optimal security is strongly recommended. Password managers can also be useful for generating random codes that are difficult to guess.
Enable auto-lock after a period of inactivity to reduce risk in the event of loss or theft. These actions, although restrictive, are necessary to protect our data and our devices. The Information is Beautiful website also has a list of the least used PIN codes:
Using obvious PINs exposes your data to serious threats. Not only can your personal information be compromised, but also your financial data. The consequences of having your PIN code hacked can be disastrous, including identity theft, blackmail and even extortion.
In our slideshow below, Planet gives you a list of 10 PIN codes that you should avoid at all costs, according to Information is Beautiful.