3 ms·
> Data Genetics came up with the numbers by analyzing a database of 3.4 million stolen passwords that have been made public over the years. Most of these are pa
by pilom 10y ago
> Data Genetics came up with the numbers by analyzing a database of 3.4 million stolen passwords that have been made public over the years. Most of these are passwords for websites. But by looking specifically at those that comprise exactly four characters, all of which are numerals, the researchers figured they could get a decent proxy for ATM PINs as well.
That seems like an incredibly faulty assumption. Most pins are auto-generated randomly and then you are given the option to change them if you choose. Most passwords are not. I'd guess that PINs would be FAR more random than 4 digit passwords.
- Declanomous 10y agoI've either been forced to change my pin the first time I've used my ATM card, or I've not even known the PIN until I've assigned it. I would be in absolutely no way surprised if most people only had one four digit number they used for everything. Anecdotally, when it comes to four digit numbers, a lot of people I know use a significant date.
- w0utert 10y agoActually, this is the first time I hear it's even possible to change your PIN code at all... As far as I know I just get a new PIN code whenever I get a new card, and just have to live with it ;-)
- gregschlom 10y agoIn the US at least, all banks I've had accounts with asked me to choose a PIN. In France, I got a random PIN every time, except when the card expired, in which case the new card had the same PIN as the old card.
- Vespasian 10y ago> In France, I got a random PIN every time, except when the card expired, in which case the new card had the same PIN as the old card. Same in Germany with several banks I used.