koodisõna

Koodisõna is an Estonian term that translates roughly as “code word” and is used to refer to a secret word or phrase that authenticates or authorizes access to a system, service, or information. In everyday IT language, it can be used synonymously with password, but more common Estonian terms for login credentials are salasõna and parool.

Etymology and usage: The word combines koodi (“code”) and sõna (“word”). It historically referred to a pre‑arranged phrase used in secure communications to verify identity or grant access. In contemporary Estonia, koodisõna appears in formal or technical writings and may denote a shared secret used for authentication, though user interfaces usually label credentials as parool or salasõna.

Context and distinctions: In computing and information security, koodisõna can describe any secret value that demonstrates identity or provides access, including passwords, passphrases, or API keys, depending on the context. It often implies a word or phrase selected or agreed in advance for a particular purpose. In everyday usage, however, parool and salasõna remain the standard terms for login credentials, while koodisõna may be reserved for more historical, military, or formal security contexts.

Security considerations: A koodisõna should be kept confidential and strong, ideally unique to each system. It should be protected with additional controls such as two‑factor authentication and, where possible, a password manager. Reuse or disclosure increases the risk of unauthorized access.

See also: salasõna, parool, kasutajatunnus, kaks faktorid, autentimine, turvalisus.