SSO
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Single sign-on |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Technology & Computing, Science & Engineering |
SSO has two meanings. It stands for Single sign-on (cybersecurity) or Sun-synchronous orbit (astronomy & Space).
Meanings of SSO at a glance
| # | SSO stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single sign-on | Technology & Computing › Cybersecurity |
| 2 | Sun-synchronous orbit | Science & Engineering › Astronomy & Space |
1. Single sign-on
Technology & Computing · Cybersecurity Abbreviations
An authentication setup that lets a user log in once with one set of credentials and then reach many separate applications without signing in again. Employees use SSO through identity providers such as Okta, Microsoft Entra ID and Google Workspace.
Example: The new expense tool supports SSO, so staff log in with their company Microsoft account.
SSO is usually built on standards such as SAML, OpenID Connect and Kerberos. It reduces password fatigue and lets IT revoke access to everything from one place, but it also makes the identity provider a high-value target. Software vendors that reserve SSO for expensive enterprise tiers are criticized for charging an "SSO tax".
2. Sun-synchronous orbit
Science & Engineering · Astronomy & Space Abbreviations
Nearly polar orbit, typically 600 to 800 kilometers high, whose plane rotates about one degree per day so a satellite passes over any given spot at the same local solar time. Earth-observation satellites use SSO to image the ground under consistent lighting.
Example: Landsat 9 crosses the equator in SSO at about 10 a.m. local time on every pass.
The orbit's slow rotation comes from Earth's equatorial bulge, which tugs on satellites in slightly retrograde orbits with inclinations near 98 degrees. "Dawn-dusk" sun-synchronous orbits keep solar panels almost always in sunlight. Rideshare launches commonly deliver small satellites to SSO.
Related abbreviations
More cybersecurity abbreviations
- SOC 2 – System and Organization Controls 2
- SPF – Sender Policy Framework
- SQLi – SQL injection
- SSL – Secure Sockets Layer
- SSRF – Server-side request forgery
- TLS – Transport Layer Security
- Tor – The Onion Router
- TOTP – Time-based one-time password
See all 119 cybersecurity abbreviations →