Personal Identification Number

A personal identification number (PIN) is a numeric code used to authenticate the identity of an individual during electronic transactions, typically associated with debit and credit cards. The PIN is a security measure, giving cardholders to verify their identities before accessing their accounts and authorizing transactions.

When making a transaction, the cardholder enters their PIN into a secure PIN pad or terminal. The data is encrypted and sent to the issuing bank for verification. If the entered PIN matches the one associated with the card, the transaction can be approved

PINs are a proven technology for preventing unauthorized access to accounts and reducing the risk of fraud. That said, no single security method is as secure as using multi-factor authentication.