A version of this article exists on rAVe [PUBS] written by Trevor Cooke.

Personal identification numbers (PINs) serve as gatekeepers to our online financial accounts, devices, and sensitive information.

While the concept of a four-digit PIN may seem simple, with only 10,000 possible combinations, achieving true uniqueness can be a challenge. A weak or predictable PIN can leave you vulnerable to unauthorized access — making the choice of a strong, unique PIN crucial.

The Most Common PINs

According to data gathered from exposed password tables and security breaches — which detailed over 3.4 million four-digit PINs — the most common PINs often feature patterns that make them easy to remember but also easy to guess.

The top 10 most common PINs are:

1. 1234
2. 1111
3. 0000
4. 1212
5. 7777
6. 1004
7. 2000
8. 4444
9. 2222
10. 6969

These PINs often feature repeated digits, sequential numbers or significant dates, making them predictable and vulnerable to brute-force attacks.

A whopping 10.7% of the PINs collected were “1234”, while the top 3 PINs accounted for almost 20% of the total.

The Least Common PINs

According to the same data, the least commonly used 4-digit PIN is 8068, with just 25 occurrences out of the 3.4 million passwords examined — a minuscule 0.000744% frequency.

The 10 least popular 4-digit PINs found in the study’s dataset, starting with the least common, are:

1. 8068
2. 8093
3. 8398
4. 7638
5. 8428
6. 8285
7. 7583
8. 6835
9. 8629
10. 7539

These uncommon PINs lack obvious patterns, repetition or personal significance like birthdays or anniversaries that are common sources for more predictable PINs. Their random and unmemorable nature is likely what makes them some of the least frequently chosen combinations.

Remembering Unique PINs

While choosing a truly random PIN increases security, it can make the number difficult to recall. Here are some strategies to create memorable, yet unique, PINs.

Use the Word Method: Associate your PIN with a word by mapping the numbers to letters on a telephone keypad. For example, the word “SAFE” translates to the PIN “7233”. Choose an uncommon word that’s unlikely to be guessed.

Utilize Meaningful Dates: While avoiding easily guessable dates like birthdays or anniversaries, you can still use a meaningful date as your PIN, such as the day you adopted a pet or the date of your first date with your partner. Combine or alter the numbers to make it more unique.

For even more tips, read the rest of the article on rAVe [PUBS].