{"id":29266,"date":"2025-09-15T21:41:36","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T19:41:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=29266"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:51:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:51:03","slug":"50-most-common-pin-codes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/50-most-common-pin-codes\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 50 Most Common PIN Codes: If Your&#8217;s in On the List, Change It!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most South Africans use four-digit PIN codes to secure their bank cards and mobile wallets. However, studies reveal that millions still rely on predictable and easily guessed numbers. The <strong>most common PIN codes<\/strong> are often simple sequences, repeats, or even birth years.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-3057106846\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cybercriminals exploit this behaviour. A single guess from the top 20 most common codes can unlock one in ten accounts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your PIN appears in the Top 50 list below, change it immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-top-50-most-common-pin-codes\">The Top 50 Most Common PIN Codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the numbers that cybercriminals try first. If your PIN is here, it\u2019s unsafe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1234<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1111<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>0000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1342<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1212<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2222<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4444<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1122<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1986<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2020<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>7777<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5555<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1989<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>9999<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6969<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2004<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1010<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4321<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6666<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1984<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1987<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1985<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>8888<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1980<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Need to replace your Cell C SIM? Read our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/how-to-do-a-sim-swap-on-cell-c-a-step-by-step-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Do a SIM Swap on Cell C: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1988<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1982<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2580<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1313<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1990<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1991<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1983<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1978<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1979<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1995<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1994<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1977<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1981<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3333<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1992<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1975<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2005<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1993<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1976<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1996<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2002<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1973<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2468<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1998<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1974<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-are-these-pins-so-common\">Why Are These PINs So Common?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most people choose codes they can remember easily. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Straight sequences like <strong>1234<\/strong> or <strong>4321<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeated numbers such as <strong>1111<\/strong> or <strong>7777<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dates of birth, especially from the 1970s to 1990s.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Patterns on the keypad like <strong>2580<\/strong> or <strong>2468<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, these habits make your security predictable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Switching numbers or replacing a lost card? Learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/how-to-do-a-sim-swap-on-vodacom-a-step-by-step-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Do a SIM Swap on Vodacom: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-expert-warnings-on-weak-pins\">Expert Warnings on Weak PINs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Security experts have long warned against reusing predictable numbers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cl.cam.ac.uk\/archive\/rja14\/Papers\/BPA12-FC-banking_pin_security.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A <strong> study<\/strong> found<\/a> that criminals guessing PINs using birthdays could unlock accounts \u201conce for every 11\u201318 stolen wallets.\u201d <a>University of Cambridge<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their advice was clear: <em>\u201cThe lesson for cardholders is to never use one\u2019s date of birth as a PIN.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2185058875\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-government-and-industry-standards\">Government and Industry Standards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pages.nist.gov\/800-63-3\/sp800-63b.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology<\/a> (NIST)<\/strong> recommends blocking weak and commonly used PINs. Their guidelines state:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cVerifiers SHALL compare the prospective secrets against a list\u2026 commonly-used, expected, or compromised.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/pages.nist.gov\/800-63-3\/sp800-63b.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NIST<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means banks and mobile operators should prevent you from selecting a PIN like <strong>1234<\/strong> or <strong>0000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-south-african-banking-advice\">South African Banking Advice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Locally, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sabric.co.za\/how-to-stay-safe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South African Banking Risk Information Centr<\/a>e<\/strong> advises:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cChoose an unusual PIN\u2026 hard to guess. Do not use your date of birth.\u201d <a>SABRIC<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also urge South Africans to cover the keypad at ATMs and avoid writing down their PINs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-risks-of-sticking-with-a-common-pin\">The Risks of Sticking With a Common PIN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your PIN appears in the top 50, you are more vulnerable to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>ATM fraud<\/strong>: Criminals use cameras or shoulder surfing to test common PINs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mobile wallet hacking<\/strong>: Weak PINs make it easy for thieves to bypass digital security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SIM swap fraud<\/strong>: Criminals who get access to your banking PIN can drain your account quickly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-create-a-safer-pin\">How to Create a Safer PIN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are practical tips to improve your PIN security:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use a <strong>random<\/strong> combination of digits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid patterns, repeats, or birthdays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Never share your PIN with anyone, even friends or family.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change your PIN regularly, especially after a data breach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For maximum protection, use different PINs for different cards and accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-technology-can-help-block-weak-choices\">Technology Can Help Block Weak Choices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Banks are beginning to use software that rejects risky PINs. Some South African banks already prevent customers from using <strong>1234<\/strong> or <strong>0000<\/strong>. These blacklists reduce fraud success rates and protect consumers who might otherwise choose weak numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3700593084\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-to-do-if-your-pin-is-compromised\">What To Do If Your PIN Is Compromised<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you think your PIN is exposed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Change it immediately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact your bank\u2019s fraud department.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check your statements for unusual activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enable SMS alerts for transactions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prompt action reduces financial losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lost your SIM or upgrading your phone? Here\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/how-to-do-a-sim-swap-on-mtn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Do a SIM Swap on MTN: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-bottom-line\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Top 50 most common PIN codes are highly unsafe. If yours is on the list, you are at serious risk. Security experts, universities, and banking authorities all agree: avoid predictable numbers, never use birth years, and opt for unique combinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strong PIN hygiene is one of the easiest ways to safeguard your hard-earned money.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the Top 50 Most Common PIN Codes and why they put your money at risk. Check the list, learn expert tips, and secure your banking PIN today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":29267,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Discover the Top 50 Most Common PIN Codes and why they put your money at risk. Check the list, learn expert tips, and secure your banking PIN today.","footnotes":""},"categories":[3298],"tags":[9735,10049,3073],"ppma_author":[11568],"class_list":["post-29266","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-lifestyle","tag-safety","tag-technology"],"authors":[{"term_id":11568,"user_id":11,"is_guest":0,"slug":"karabo","display_name":"Karabo Makodi","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Karabo-Makodi-Image.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Karabo-Makodi-Image.jpg"},"author_category":"1","first_name":"Karabo","last_name":"Makodi","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"SEO Content","description":"Karabo Makodi is a South African SEO Content Editor with a background in marketing and media. She specialises in government policy, economic developments, employment opportunities, and current affairs, making complex topics clear and accessible for everyday readers. She brings additional expertise in content strategy and digital publishing to everything she writes."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29266","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29266"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29266\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29267"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29266"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29266"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29266"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=29266"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}