Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

From the Wikipedia article you shared:

> In common usage, PINs are used in [...] internet transactions or to log into a restricted website.

EDIT: Also, the IRS uses PINs online[1]:

> Your IP PIN will be displayed to you online once we verify your identity. A new IP PIN is generated for each filing season and can be retrieved starting in mid-January of each year by logging into the account you create.

They even allow you to enter it on paper[2]:

> Paper Return: [...] Enter your IP PIN(s) as applicable in the boxes marked "Identity Protection PIN" in signature area of the return.

EDIT 2: There are also many employee time-clocks that use PINs to authenticate the employees, like this one[3]. You can connect to them through the network to export some nifty reports that includes everyone's PIN, like this one[4].

I'm sure use of PINs is also common with ERPs and POS systems (to authenticate a cashier supervisor authorizing some action), and those are also networked.

EDIT 3: On the Microsoft link you provided, they're talking specifically about the PINs in Windows 10. I wouldn't take that page as talking about all PINs in general.

[1] https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identi...

[2] https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/frequently-as...

[3] https://www.alliedtime.com/Compumatic-XLS-21-Badge-Time-Cloc...

[4] https://www.alliedtime.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/pdfs/com...




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2025 batch! Applications are open till May 13

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: