Personal Identification Number

Primary definition

(PIN) A password consisting only of decimal digits. (SP 800-63) (NISTIR) A secret that a claimant memorizes and uses to authenticate his or her identity. PINs are generally only decimal digits. (FIPS 201) (NISTIR) An alphanumeric code or password used to authenticate an identity. SOURCE: FIPS 140-2 A short numeric code used to confirm identity. (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)

Also known asPIN · pin number · personal ID number · personal identification code
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
The Cyber GlossaryView source

Understand more election terms clearly

Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.

Free. One useful email each week. Unsubscribe anytime.Learn more about the ESG newsletter →
TCG

(PIN) A password consisting only of decimal digits. (SP 800-63) (NISTIR) A secret that a claimant memorizes and uses to authenticate his or her identity. PINs are generally only decimal digits. (FIPS 201) (NISTIR) An alphanumeric code or password used to authenticate an identity. SOURCE: FIPS 140-2 A short numeric code used to confirm identity. (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)

The Cyber Glossary · 2024

Cite this term

Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Personal Identification Number. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 13, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/personal-identification-number

Sources

2 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026

01

The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary

High consensus

View source

02

Electronic Voting Glossary
Electronic Voting Glossary

Multi-source

View source

Get the weekly election term

Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.

Get election terms explained weekly →
Free · Nonpartisan · Unsubscribe anytime.
Continue Research

Keep going from here

Three ways to go deeper on access control and adjacent terminology.