These numbers are easily targeted in cybercrime! Never make them your ATM PIN.

You should choose your ATM PIN carefully. Negligence can be costly. Most people choose digits from their date of birth or mobile number when creating an ATM PIN. However, such PINs quickly become the target of scammers. Here's a list of ATM PINs that weaken your cybersecurity. Learn smart tips for choosing a secure PIN and avoiding fraud.

With the rise in cybercrime, ATM cards and their PINs are the easiest targets. Hackers first try PINs that are easy to guess. Therefore, choosing a 4-digit ATM PIN should be done very carefully. Cybersecurity experts believe that choosing the wrong PIN can empty your bank account in seconds. Here's a list of ATM PINs that weaken your cybersecurity. Learn smart tips for choosing a secure PIN and avoiding fraud.

1. Which PIN numbers are the most dangerous?

Some PIN numbers are easily guessed by hackers because they are very common and easy to guess. Here are the numbers you should never use as your ATM PIN:

Sequential numbers: Sequential or repeated numbers like 1234, 1111, 2222, 3333, 0000, 5555 are the easiest targets for hackers. Cybersecurity research has found that these PINs are the most commonly used and therefore the first to be targeted.

Reverse numbers: Numbers in reverse order, like 4321, 9876, are equally vulnerable and should be discarded immediately.

These numbers are so common that hackers try these combinations first and are more likely to succeed.

2. Don't make your birthday your PIN? This is the biggest mistake!

Many people choose their own or their loved ones' birth dates (e.g., 1308 if their birthday is August 13th, or 1511 if it's November 15th) or their year of birth (e.g., 1999, 2000) as their PIN. This is a serious mistake that can put your bank account at risk.

Easy availability of data: Your birth date, year, and other personal information are easily available from social media profiles, identity cards (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN card), or other documents.

Hackers' guessability: Hackers can easily guess your PIN using this personal data. Once they know your birth date, it becomes very easy for them to guess your PIN. Therefore, avoid using your or anyone else's birth date as a PIN.

3. Are mobile numbers or vehicle numbers suitable for a PIN?

Numbers like mobile numbers, vehicle numbers, the first or last digits of Aadhaar numbers, or home addresses are also not suitable for PINs. Cybersecurity reports suggest that hacking these PINs often takes seconds.

Public information: Your mobile number is often registered with friends, relatives, and various services. Your vehicle number is public, and your Aadhaar number is also used in many places.

Easy to guess: These numbers are very easy to guess because they are somehow connected to you and easily accessible. Hackers can use these details to access your PIN. Stay away from such numbers immediately.

4. How to choose a secure PIN? Here are smart ways!

Choosing a strong and secure PIN is crucial to keeping your money safe. Here are some tips:

Choose a random number: The best PIN is one that is random and difficult to guess. For example, numbers like 4892 or 3927. These are numbers that have no direct connection to you, but you can easily remember them.

Your PIN should be easy for you to remember, but its meaning or pattern should not be obvious to others. You can choose numbers that are associated with a specific event but are not publicly available.

Take these precautions to avoid fraud

Change your PIN every 6 to 12 months. This reduces the risk of your old PIN being leaked or hacked.

Never share your PIN with anyone, be it a friend, family member, or bank employee. Banks never ask you for your PIN over the phone or email.

Never write your PIN down in your wallet, purse, or mobile phone. If these items are lost, your PIN will also become vulnerable.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also advises that you keep a different PIN for each card and change it regularly.

When entering your PIN at an ATM or POS machine, always cover the keypad with your other hand or wallet so that no one can see it.

Avoid using any suspicious ATM machine. Do not use it if you notice any tampering with the card slot or keypad.

Always use two-factor authentication (OTP or other verification) when making online transactions. Make purchases only on secure websites (those with https://).

Do not click on any unknown emails, messages, or links that ask for your bank account or ATM PIN information. These may be phishing attacks.

If you have even the slightest suspicion of ATM fraud or notice any unusual transactions, immediately report them to your bank and the Cyber ​​Cell (helpline number 1930).