IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) is a term used in military and aviation communication. It refers to a system of identifying military aircraft and distinguishing them from enemy planes. In the civilian context, IFF is typically used in digital communication protocols to ensure that communication is only established between trusted devices.
Synonyms for IFF include friend or foe identification, positive identification, secure identification, or simply identification. These terms all refer to the process of determining the origin of a message or signal and verifying its authenticity. IFF is crucial in ensuring operational safety and security, as it helps prevent friendly fire incidents and unauthorized access to sensitive information.