Is it Time to Change Your Personal Identification Number?
September 19, 2016 in Monday on the Money
I recently ran across a study by DataGenetics that analyzed several exposed password databases to determine the 20 most-used personal identification numbers (PIN) by debit card holders. The results of the study didn’t surprise me, I mean, of course 1234 is the most used PIN! But what did strike me was that because a debit card allows three PIN attempts before it is locked, a thief who inputs the top three most-used PINs would gain access to funds in more than 1 out of every 6 wallets they steal. If you find your PIN on the following list, it’s time for a change.
| PIN | Frequency (%) | |
| 1 | 1234 | 10.713 |
| 2 | 1111 | 6.016 |
| 3 | 0000 | 1.881 |
| 4 | 1212 | 1.197 |
| 5 | 7777 | .745 |
| 6 | 1004 | .616 |
| 7 | 2000 | .613 |
| 8 | 4444 | .526 |
| 9 | 2222 | .516 |
| 10 | 6969 | .512 |
| 11 | 9999 | .451 |
| 12 | 3333 | .419 |
| 13 | 5555 | .395 |
| 14 | 6666 | .391 |
| 15 | 1122 | .366 |
| 16 | 1313 | .304 |
| 17 | 8888 | .303 |
| 18 | 4321 | .293 |
| 19 | 2001 | .290 |
| 20 | 1010 | .285 |
Bank of the Ozarks knows how important it is to have the ability to change your PIN, whether it’s during business hours or not. This is why you can change it anytime at any Bank of the Ozarks ATM or by calling 1-888-217-3668.
By Adam Lucas Adam Lucas holds a Finance degree and an MBA from the University of Kentucky. His work has appeared in many major outlets including Yahoo, AARP.org, and GoBankingRates.com.
Monday on the Money is a weekly commentary from Bank of the Ozarks providing financial advice and solutions important to you and your family.