In computing, a payload is the carrying capacity of a packet or other transmission data unit. ... The term payload has two meanings: data payload, which is related to the transport of data across a network, and malware payload, which refers to malicious code used to exploit and compromise IT networks and systems.

What is a payload in a protocol?

The payload, in both fields of telecommunications and computing, has been referred to as the portion of the transmitted data packet which holds the actual message. Often, network protocols set a maximum limit to the length of the payload.

What is payload in network security?

Definition of payload : noun. Generally, the cargo information within a data transmission. In the cyber-security context, normally the part of a malware program that performs a malicious action.