On a computer, a payload describes the contents of a package. For example, with a virus or worm a payload may be the instructions to delete files from a computer. Another good example of a payload is a network packet, which contains data and is sent over a network.
Network terms, Security terms
A payload may also have a header to help describe the contents or destination of the payload.
Related information
- How to remove a virus and malware from my computer.
- How does a computer get infected with a virus or spyware?
- All other computer virus questions and answers.
