Create a secure PIN - you have to be careful

If you have to create a new secure PIN, you will quickly face a small challenge. We will show you what you have to be aware of.

Create a secure PIN

A PIN usually only consists of numbers, but can also contain other characters such as letters. Depending on the situation, you should pay attention to certain things:

• Length: If your PIN consists only of numbers, it should contain at least twelve numbers. This is the only way to ensure that the PIN is secure.
• Variation: If the PIN also contains small and large letters and special characters, the password is maximally secure. A length of eight characters should already be sufficient here. However, the longer the PIN, the better.
• String: Do not use consecutive numbers or whole words. They are particularly easy to crack. You can see that in our table.
• Reference: The password should under no circumstances be personally related to you. Therefore, do not use your date of birth or your telephone number as a PIN.

Additional information on handling the PIN

• Use different PINs for different accounts. If one is cracked, the safety of the other is also endangered.
• Do not write down the PIN anywhere and do not pass it on to third parties - even if the request is made by a "reputable" institution such as your bank!
• Change your PIN regularly. In this practical tip, we will tell you how often you should make a change.

In addition to your PINs, you should of course also secure your passwords for other services. The best tips for a secure password can be found in the next article.