PARTIAL PIN Meaning and
Definition
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Partial pin, also known as partial personal identification number, is a security feature used in the field of computer science and information technology to enhance the authentication process for various applications.
A partial pin is a subset or portion of a larger personal identification number (PIN) that is used to verify the identity of an individual accessing a system or performing a transaction. Rather than requiring users to enter their entire PIN, a partial pin only requires a specific portion of it. This is often done by requesting the user to input specific digits from their PIN in a predetermined order.
The use of partial pins adds an extra layer of security to the authentication process by providing a measure of protection against unauthorized access, as well as potential stolen or compromised PINs. It ensures that even if an attacker or unauthorized person gains access to part of a PIN, they would still need to correctly guess or have knowledge of the remaining digits to validate their access.
Partial pins are commonly used in scenarios where there is a need for increased security, such as banking systems, online transactions, and other secure applications. By requesting only a specific subset of a PIN, the likelihood of successfully guessing or cracking a complete PIN is significantly reduced, thereby improving the overall security posture of the system.
Etymology of PARTIAL PIN
The term "partial pin" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words: "partial" and "pin". Therefore, it is more meaningful to explore the etymologies of these individual words.
1. Partial: The word "partial" originates from the Latin word "partialis", which means "biased" or "inclined to favor one party over another". It comes from the Latin root "part-" meaning "part" or "portion". The term "partial" gradually transitioned to its present meaning of being incomplete or not whole during the late 17th century.
2. Pin: The word "pin" has Old English roots. It can be traced back to the Old English word "pinn" or "pinnian", which means "peg" or "nail".
