How many invalid PIN attempts trigger a duress condition?

How many invalid PIN attempts trigger a duress condition?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer: (B)

A duress signal is intended to be triggered after a small, deliberate number of failed PIN attempts to distinguish a real distress situation from normal entry errors. In this scenario, the threshold is reached on the third invalid PIN attempt. That timing allows someone under pressure to signal help without waiting through many mistakes, while still preventing easy brute-force access. Two invalid attempts are typically not enough to indicate distress, and four or five would delay help and could be triggered by routine mistakes, so three is the most effective balance for covertly notifying responders.

A duress signal is intended to be triggered after a small, deliberate number of failed PIN attempts to distinguish a real distress situation from normal entry errors. In this scenario, the threshold is reached on the third invalid PIN attempt. That timing allows someone under pressure to signal help without waiting through many mistakes, while still preventing easy brute-force access. Two invalid attempts are typically not enough to indicate distress, and four or five would delay help and could be triggered by routine mistakes, so three is the most effective balance for covertly notifying responders.