Have you heard of password and/or PIN but do not know what is the difference between the two terms? Here we will tell you what is the difference between password and PIN.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PASSWORD AND PIN?

WHAT IS THE PASSWORD?

In computer science, the password, sometimes called also access key, is nothing more than a sequence of alphanumeric characters that is used or to access exclusively to a certain computer resource (such as, for example, a computer, an email, a network, a program or an ATM), or to encrypt something, such as protecting a file or a folder.
A password is usually associated with a specific username so that they can be recognized by the system that you would like to access. In other words, the username and password together form the so-called login credentials, which is one of the most common forms of authentication in the computer world that is used, above all, in the login procedure. In order to carry out the task for which it was created, the password should always remain hidden and be chosen with certain characteristics, thus avoiding the use of meaningful words.

WHAT IS THE PIN?

The PIN (acronym of personal identification number) is a numeric or alphanumeric password, consisting of at least four characters, which is used in the identification process of a user who wants to access a service or to a system. In other words, the PIN is a sequence of numeric or alphanumeric characters that is used to verify that a person is actually authorized to perform a certain operation by using a certain device.
The most classic examples of the PIN code are the unlocking of the SIM, the withdrawal of cash from the ATMs, the payment of goods and/or services through the enabled POS terminals, access to an electronic device such as a computer, a smartphone or a tablet, but also the release of administrative functions regarding certain domestic and industrial electronic devices.

IS IT BETTER TO USE THE PASSWORD OR PIN?

Let’s say it depends on the cases. Typically, PINs are easier to remember and faster to type, so they offer more than enough protection to unlock, for example, a smartphone or TV channel. However, passwords are much safer, and are therefore used where there is need for greater protection, especially on the Internet. In any case, both passwords and PIN codes can be chosen or not by the user, and, when provided, can also be of the OTP type, ie disposable. Arrived at this point, however, you should finally have realized that there is a difference between password and PIN.