credential
kruh-DEN-shul
/krəˈdɛnʃəl/
A piece of information or document used to verify a person's identity, authority, or qualifications.
In cybersecurity, credentials specifically mean combinations of usernames, passwords, tokens, or digital certificates.
The story behind the word. Derived from Medieval Latin 'credentia' (trust, belief), coming from classical Latin 'credere' (to trust). Originally, credentials were letters of introduction given to ambassadors to show they could be trusted. In the modern digital era, the term evolved to represent the secret strings and tokens that convince a system you are who you claim to be.
Word relationships
- login details: Login details refers specifically to username and password, while credential can include digital certificates, API keys, or security badges.
- certificate: A certificate is a specific formal document or cryptographic file, whereas credential covers any proof of authority or identity.
- disqualification: A status that revokes or denies authority, opposite of a validating credential.
Commonly confused with
- passphrase: A passphrase is one specific type of secret text, whereas a credential encompasses the entire set of identity proofs.
Word family
- credentialed (adjective): Having suitable credentials or qualifications.
- credentialing (noun): The process of establishing or verifying qualifications.
Collocations
- user credentials
- login credentials
- credential stuffing
- stolen credentials
Example sentences
- "The administrator revoked his network access after detecting compromised user credentials on the dark web." Access Control
Memory hook
CREDential comes from CREDit and CREDible—it earns trust. Proof that earns trust.
When not to use
Avoid using as a verb ('to credential someone') in casual speech, though it exists in formal professional contexts.
Fun facts
- In medieval times, a 'credence table' was where food was placed to be tested for poison before serving to royalty, rooted in the same word of trust.
Related words
Explore more words
authentication, certification, credibility, credence, biometric, accreditation
Also appears in
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