What does SSO mean in UNCLASSIFIED

Special Source Operations (SSO) is a division of the National Security Agency (NSA) responsible for overseeing the collection and analysis of communications intelligence from foreign governments and other international sources. SSO works with U.S. government partners to identify, target, collect, and exploit communications data gathered by the NSA's global signals intelligence network.

SSO works in two primary ways. First, it works to detect and assess any communications threats faced by the United States or its allies. Second, it uses sophisticated methods to collect and analyze communications data from around the world via signals intelligence technology.

SSO’s primary customers are US government partners which require access to external communications data in order to make informed decisions about matters of national security. This includes members of Congress, military personnel, intelligence analysts, diplomatic staff and law enforcement officials.

SSO uses various types of cutting-edge technology including advanced signal processing algorithms, geolocation tools, collection platforms, databasing systems, cryptography-based protocols and digital forensics tools in order to fulfill its mission.

Through its signals intelligence gathering efforts, SSO collects a variety of information such as voice conversations, emails, text messages, social media posts and phone call records that can help the US learn more about potential threats posed by foreign governments or entities abroad.

Yes – all activities carried out by SSO are subject to strict oversight procedures that ensure compliance with applicable US laws such as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Additionally, all collected communication data is protected against unauthorized access or misuse via strict encryption protocols as mandated by law.

The information collected by SSO is highly secure; all data is encrypted both at rest (in storage) and when transmitted over public networks using sophisticated cryptography-based protocols which make it virtually impossible for anyone who does not have an authorized key to gain access it or view its contents without first obtaining authorization from NSA leadership.

In addition to the technical challenges posed by ever-evolving encryption technologies used by those attempting to hide their activities from detection or analysis by US intelligence agencies; operational challenges include acquiring access to targets while remaining undetected in hostile environments outside the United States as well as dealing with adversaries who use multiple languages or tactics designed specifically designed limit access into their communications environment.

Technology has had a profound effect on Special Source Operations in terms of both efficiency gains as well as increased visibility into otherwise hard-to-access sources of information such as encrypted chat programs or hard-to-surveil communication channels abroad. Advanced signal processing algorithms allow for faster identification and analysis of important data points while geolocation tools enable better accuracy when pinpointing targets located within hostile territories outside the United States.