In today’s digital world, creating passwords, identifying questions, and security codes are required in nearly every aspect of your daily life. From voicemail to ATMs to security systems, one of the most common forms of security codes are the four-digit serial.
But how do you create an original code that isn’t so generic anyone with access to Facebook can guess it, yet isn’t so off the wall you won’t remember it the next time you use it?
Here are our tips on creating the perfect security code without driving yourself crazy or sabotaging yourself:
Common Mistake
Did you know that however many digit versions of “1234” and “1010” are THE most commonly used numeral passwords? Well, now you do. So don’t use them. They’ll be the first two guesses of anyone trying to crack your security system.
TIP: If you want something super easy to remember, try simple sequence of numbers that makes sense to you — like prime numbers, multiples of three, or even or odd numbers backwards.
Social Blunder
If you plan on using the next-most popular option or birthdays or anniversaries, take extra heed when sharing that information on social networking sites. If you blast “10/10/08 I MARRIED MY BFF I <3 U 4EVA BOO" all over your public TwitFaceIn, a would-be thief wouldn't have to stretch too far to assume you're such a hopeless romantic that 1008 might just be the winning ticket.
Same goes for birthdays -- your own and those of your loved ones. If you have them posted all over the Internet, all it takes is trial and error to figure out the combo that unlocks your garage door and disables your security system.
TIP: If you can’t let go of it being a date (maybe you need six digits instead of four) try a less commonly-broadcasted date such as your first date with your honey, a combination of the birth dates of your kids; or something only you would know, like the date you lost your virginity. Unless you’re plastering that all over the Internet, then that’s probably not a viable option.
Too Personal
This should go without saying, but you should NEVER EVER EVER use the last four digits of your Social Security Number for a security code — because if someone cracks it, not only can they get into your home, but they can steal your identity as well. The last four are the most identity-specific numbers, meaning once they get out into the wrong hands, you’re going to have quite the mess to clean up for a very long time.
TIP: If you MUST use your SSN because it’s the only sequential numbers you can memorize, try using the first four. The beginning of a SSN has more to do with where you were born, meaning A LOT of people have the same first three. If you think you can branch out a little but still want the numbers to be personally relevant, try old sports jersey numbers, or the year of the first car you owned. Lots of personal things have numbers attached to them if you look hard enough, so it shouldn’t be too hard to come up with something.
What are your suggestions for creating the perfect security code? As always, let us know in the comments below, and have fun resetting your alarm systems tonight!
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