_____________ is the process of decrypting coded messages without being told the key.

Cryptanalysis

Cryptography

Cryptology

All of the above terms can refer to the process of decrypting coded messages without being told the key.

The process of decrypting coded messages without being told the key is known as Cryptanalysis.

Cryptanalysis is the correct answer. Cryptanalysis refers to the process of decrypting or breaking coded messages without initially knowing the key or algorithm used for encryption. It involves various techniques, such as analyzing the patterns, frequencies, and structures of the encrypted text to uncover the original message. Cryptanalysis is an essential part of the broader field of cryptology, which encompasses both cryptography (the study and practice of securing information) and cryptanalysis (the study and practice of breaking codes).