PIN is a security key that authenticates users and protects their information, such as a password. The code is usually required in banking transactions, payment processing, SIM card validation and cell phone unlocking.
On smartphones, enabling the PIN the first step to prevent strangers from having access to the data of the device owner. Next, the dnetc prepared a list with five questions and answers so that you can clarify your main doubts about this security feature.
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What PIN? Five questions and answers about the security feature Photo: Divulgao / Pond5
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PIN the English acronym for Personal Identification Number, or Personal Identification Number, in Portuguese.
PINs are alphanumeric or numeric codes of at least four digits used to access any system securely. Personal identification numbers validate user login and are required in a variety of situations, including banking, payment processing, activating mobile phone chips and unlocking cell phones.
On smartphones with Android system, PINs help to reinforce the security of the device, since they prevent anyone from unlocking the screen and have easy access to the user's personal information. Even if the attacker tries to restart the device to circumvent the security mechanism, the operating system will require the password, and the device will not receive calls, messages or notifications, which is especially useful in the case of lost or stolen cell phones.
What is the difference between PIN and PUK?
PIN and PUK are security codes that come with the cell phone chip Photo: Caroline Parreiras / dnetc
Like the PIN, the PUK (Personal Unblocking Key, or Personal Unlocking Key, in Portuguese) a code assigned to cell phone chips. Made up of four digits, the PIN serves to identify that SIM card is unique and belongs to a specific user. The code can be used to block features such as making phone calls, browsing the internet and sending SMS messages.
The PUK, in turn, has eight digits and is used to unlock or change the PIN code. The password is especially useful when the user enters the wrong PIN three times and ends up blocking the chip. In such cases, the PUK acts as a second chance to release the SIM card. In addition, the code can be used in case of loss or attempted fraud in the use of the PIN. Both the PIN and the PUK can be found on the back of the card that comes with the chip.
How to retrieve the mobile phone PIN?
Unfortunately, there is no way to know the phone PIN after setting it. Still, those who forget the code can resort to some tricks that help to regain access to the cell phone. On Android phones, a very useful feature at these times is Smart Lock, which allows you to keep the device unlocked while it is in a safe place or close to the owner.
If you have configured Smart Lock to unlock the device at a specific address, such as your home, just take it to that location to unlock the screen automatically. To enable the feature and prevent any inconvenience, go to Settings> Lock Screen> Smart Lock. Then confirm your current security mechanism (PIN, pattern or password) and choose an unlock signal.
Smart Lock feature, available on Android phones, allows you to unlock the screen automatically, without entering a PIN Photo: Reproduo / Ana Letcia Loubak
Another option is to use the Device Manager of the device manufacturer. Samsung cell phone owners, for example, can access the Samsung Find My Mobile website, log in with their Samsung account and enable the "Unlock my screen" option to unlock the phone remotely. Remember that it is only possible to activate the feature if the user has previously registered on the site. Other brands may offer similar features.
If none of the above works, you will need to format the phone. To perform the procedure remotely, access the Android Device Manager (www.google/android), log in to your Google account and select "Wipe device". After cleaning, the system requires the password of the Google account before the device can be reused.
Google Device Manager allows you to perform remote actions on lost or stolen devices Photo: Reproduo / Ana Letcia Loubak
How to remove the PIN from the cell phone?
Access the Lock Screen settings to remove the PIN Photo: Reproduo / Ana Letcia Loubak
To disable the phone lock by PIN, simply access the system settings and open the "Lock Screen" section. Then, in "Type of screen lock", the user must confirm the PIN code to expand the other system lock options. You can choose to slide the screen, define a design (default), create a password, register fingerprints or even use no security mechanism.
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