codename
Spy's false identity
A codename is a word or phrase used to conceal the true identity of a person, project, or operation.
Military operations receive codenames to maintain secrecy: Operation Overlord for the D-Day invasion.
Software companies use codenames during development before official product names are announced.
Intelligence agencies assign codenames to agents and sources.
The verb is to codename: The project was codenamed Phoenix.
Fictitious professional name
- monikerInformal designation for someone
- nicknameInformal substitute name
- handlePart for gripping
- designationFormal name or title
Covert intelligence gathering
- covertIntentionally concealed
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
- agentOne who acts independently
operative · classified · mission · CIA · MI6 · KGB · Mossad · handler
Restricted from disclosure
- secretConcealed information
- proprietaryLegally owned, restricted use
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
research · confidential · clearance · need-to-know · compartmentalized
Process of working
- missionPurpose-driven task
- tacticalStrategically planned
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- briefingConcise information session
classified · Pentagon · NATO · strike · maneuver · reconnaissance · strategic · battalion
Hidden writing system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- decryptionConverting ciphertext to plaintext
- EnigmaGerman encryption apparatus
- cryptanalysisStudy of breaking ciphers
key · codebreaker · scramble · intercept · signal · SIGINT · Navajo · Turing
pseudonym
Fictitious professional name
designation · identity · persona · cover · disguise · incognito
espionage
Covert intelligence gathering
- covertIntentionally concealed
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
agent · operative · classified · mission · CIA · MI6 · KGB · Mossad · handler · asset
classified
Restricted from disclosure
- secretConcealed information
- proprietaryLegally owned, restricted use
- developmentProgress toward maturity
prototype · research · confidential · clearance · need-to-know · compartmentalized
operation
Process of working
briefing · classified · Pentagon · NATO · strike · maneuver · reconnaissance · strategic · battalion · assault
cipher
Hidden writing system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- decryptionConverting ciphertext to plaintext
- EnigmaGerman encryption apparatus
cryptanalysis · key · codebreaker · scramble · intercept · signal · SIGINT · Navajo · Turing
- aliasesalias, pseudonym, nom de plume, handle, nom de guerre
- confidentialconfidential, secret, private, classified, undisclosed
- online handlesusername, handle, gamer tag, gamertag, online alias
- program nametitle, working title
codenamereal name
Actual given identity
true name · birth name · given name · legal name · proper name