The process of deciphering or decoding secret messages sent by enemies using encryption systems. Breaking enemy codes allows one side to understand their adversary's plans, strategies, and intentions.
Related terms
Ultra: An intelligence project led by British codebreakers at Bletchley Park that successfully decrypted Enigma-encoded messages during World War II, providing crucial information to the Allies.
Navajo Code Talkers: Native American soldiers who used their native language to transmit coded messages that were extremely difficult for enemies to decipher during World War II.
SIGINT: An abbreviation for Signals Intelligence, which refers to the interception and analysis of enemy communications in order to gain strategic advantage.