SSPs

SSPs is an acronym used in several disciplines, and its meaning depends on the field in which it appears. This article outlines some of the most common usages and the general purpose of each within its domain.

Shared Socioeconomic Pathways are scenarios developed for climate change research. They describe alternative patterns of future societal development, including factors such as population, income, education, urbanization, and technology, which influence greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerability to climate impacts. SSPs are used in conjunction with climate forcing scenarios to explore potential mitigation and adaptation outcomes and to support assessments of policy options across different future contexts.

A System Security Plan is a formal document in cybersecurity and information assurance. It describes the security requirements, controls, and responsibilities for a specified information system. A SSP typically includes system boundaries, data types, the environment in which the system operates, applicable security controls, roles and responsibilities, risk assessment results, and plans for ongoing monitoring and authorization to operate. It serves as a central reference for risk management, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Student Services Plans or Student Support Plans are educational documents designed to support students with special needs or additional educational requirements. They outline individual goals, required accommodations or modifications, supports available within the school, progress metrics, and review schedules to ensure that the student’s educational needs are being addressed.

In other contexts, SSP can have additional definitions specific to organizations or disciplines. The meaning of SSP should be inferred from the surrounding material and field conventions.