Revealed: The most - and least - secure PIN codes

Research has revealed that the most secure PIN code is 8068 - or at least it WAS, until researchers from Data Genetics told the world.

The least secure is 1234.

The research analysed 3.4 million leaked four digit passwords to find the least - and most - common.

Almost  11% of the passwords analysed use the code 1234. For a thief or hacker, it's a gift - giving them a one in ten chance to unlock a stolen card on the first guess.

Nearly a third of passwords - 28.3% - can be guessed using just 20 combinations.

More than 6% of people use 1111, which also provides thieves with a good 'second guess'. Another 2% choose 0000.

As well as single-number combinations such as 5555 and 9999, simple variations such as 1122 are also common.

'James Bond fans may be interested to know  0007  is found at position 23,' say the researchers.

Of the 3.4 million passwords analysed, 8068 was the least-used combination - but, the researchers warn, 'Hackers can read too.' It's now likely that 8068 will be far less secure.

'If you are a  consumer  and your recognize any of the numbers to be your passwords/pins I hope you apply common sense and immediately change them to something a little less predictable,' writes the Data Genetics researcher.

'Alternatively, you could be lazy and not change things (In that case, at least the only person you are harming with this apathy is yourself.)'