Pinbased

Pinbased is a term used to describe systems or processes that rely on a Personal Identification Number (PIN) as the primary factor for authenticating a user or authorizing a transaction. In common usage, pinbased refers to PIN-based payments and access-control mechanisms, where entering the correct numeric code grants access or completes a transaction. The term is often used in contrast to password-based or biometric approaches and is frequently associated with chip-and-PIN cards and EFTPOS terminals.

In payments, pinbased systems are widely deployed in ATMs and point-of-sale devices. In EMV environments, the PIN is verified either offline by the card or online by the issuer. PINs are typically 4- to 6-digit codes; the PIN itself is never transmitted in plain form but processed as a PIN block or through cryptographic verification values. Security practices include secure PIN entry devices, encryption of PIN data, and strict PIN management standards (for example, ISO/IEC 9564).

Advantages of pinbased systems include low cost, broad user familiarity, and offline usability, while limitations include susceptibility to shoulder-surfing, guessing, card loss, and device tampering. Effective implementation requires strong protection of the PIN, tamper-resistant hardware, and robust workflow controls to prevent unauthorized access. Some pinbased deployments pair the PIN with additional factors (two-factor authentication) or with biometric or device-based authentication to enhance security and resilience.

See also: PIN, PIN block, EMV, chip and PIN, ISO/IEC 9564, two-factor authentication.