Emoji Passcodes Could Replace PIN Codes In Future

A British firm has launched an Emoji Passcode that it thinks could replace the traditional 4-digit PIN code.

According to the company behind the new technology - Intelligent Environments - emoji-based codes are easier to remember and mathematically more secure than standard passcodes made up of numbers.

Research suggests that pictures are easier to remember than words or numbers, which could help users who have difficulty remembering numerous passwords.

The Emoji Passcode has been integrated in the firm’s Android digital banking app and there are currently 44 emojis to choose from resulting in 480 times more possible combinations than a standard 4-digit passcode.

In theory, the picture-based passcodes should be less easy to crack than numerical codes, especially as people tend to stick to easy numbers such as the year they were born. However, an emoji passcode still relies on users not picking the most obvious options, such as four smiley faces.

The company’s MD, David Webber, explained the the appeal of the new passcode:

“We’ve had input from lots of millennials when we developed the technology. What’s clear is that the younger generation is communicating in new ways.

“Our research shows 64% of millennials regularly communicate only using emojis. So we decided to reinvent the passcode for a new generation by developing the world’s first emoji security technology.”

Intelligent Environments is currently in talks with several banks that are considering adopting the technology over the next 12 months.

Tech giant Apple recently released an updated set of emoji including racially diverse characters, while a online petition is currently campaigning for the introduction of a ginger emoji.