If all numbers have a 1/10 chance of selection, why is a combination like “3478” safer than “0000” or “1234” for a PIN?

Question

If all numbers have a 1/10 chance of selection, why is a combination like “3478” safer than “0000” or “1234” for a PIN?

In: Technology

Answer 1

Because while each number combination has an equal probability to be selected in theory, the human element defies randomness models. Humans like simplicity and logical flow, not complexity and randomness, which makes certain number combinations much more likely to occur if they follow some sort of logical pattern like sequence or if the number is significant to the person like “1234” or “9999” or a birthday like “06/25”. Numbers that are sequential, follow a logical pattern like “2486” on a number pad or significant to the person setting the code like a birthday or anniversary are more likely to be chosen because they are easier to remember to the person.