What is a PIN code and how secure is it?

When using modern electronic devices, everyone is concerned about completing certain important tasks with utmost confidentiality for the information they exchange, whether on mobile phones or ATM cards. This is achieved by setting a security code called a Personal Identification Number (PIN), making it difficult for any other party to use these devices without obtaining this code.

Definition of  Personal Identification Number (PIN) :

PIN is an abbreviation for Personal Identification Number. It is a code for identity verification, much like passwords. Keeping the PIN secret is crucial, as it grants access to important services such as withdrawing money and changing personal information. Unlike most passwords, the PIN is exclusively numerical.

Its applications are widespread in financial transactions and loans, but it can be used for anything from unlocking safes or external security doors to locking phones.

Caution must be exercised to prevent identity theft or theft by others using the personal identification code. Therefore, whenever the code is associated with important and confidential information, the method of sending it to the user should be characterized by absolute secrecy.

History of the Invention of  Personal Identification Number (PIN):

James Goodfellow, a 79-year-old, changed the face of banking by introducing the Personal Identification Number (PIN), a coded card with a personal number allowing anyone to withdraw money from ATMs. The technology is still used in millions of ATMs worldwide.

However, Goodfellow mentioned that he received only $15 (10 British pounds) – one dollar for each country where the patent license was signed – since the patent was implemented on May 2, 1996. He has not received any money since then.

What are the uses of the Personal Identification Number (PIN)?

The uses of the PIN are diverse, especially in financial transactions:

1. ATM Transactions:

   When performing any cash withdrawal from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) using a credit card, you need to enter your PIN. The PIN serves as a secondary confirmation of whether you are authorized for the transaction. If someone obtains your credit card, they won't be able to use it without knowing your PIN, typically a four-digit numeric code. It is advisable to use a PIN that is difficult to predict through various methods to create strong and unpredictable numbers.

2. Credit Card Purchases:

   To complete credit card transactions, you need a PIN for your card. This PIN ensures protection against theft attempts that may occur using these cards.

   While signatures are more common than PINs in many countries like the United States, PINs are still widely used. However, a card issued in the United States may not be compatible with payment systems in your country or in other countries. Before leaving the country, you should check with your bank to ensure you can use your card abroad.

3. Other Uses:

   In addition to financial transactions, some institutions and sectors may require you to set a PIN for identity verification in the following cases:

•    - Before operating a computer, you may need to enter your PIN.
•    - Accessing and using mobile phones.
•    - Changing settings on mobile phones, updating addresses, or service plans.
•    - Electronically filing and paying taxes.
•    - Used in Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards for mobile phones.

Is the Personal Identification Number (PIN) considered secure?

It is always advisable to use codes that are difficult to predict and know as much as possible, as they serve to protect information. Therefore, you should avoid using the following codes:

• 1. Using easy, sequential, or consecutive numbers such as (1234) or (00000), and even repeated numbers like 331122 or 444222333.
  
  
• 2. Using your important personal dates, such as your or your family members' birthdays.
  
  
• 3. Using any part of the security numbers for social accounts.
  
  
• 4. Using your personal addresses or phone numbers, or any part of them in these codes.

The more digits the PIN consists of, the more secure it is through various methods of combining numbers together. For example, if you use a four-digit code, there are 10,000 different possibilities for these four digits alone. If it consists of six different digits, there are a million different possibilities. Therefore, predicting it by others would be challenging, making the code more secure.