Payload

In general, a payload refers to the main purpose or cargo carried by a vehicle or system. For example, in a spacecraft, the payload is the equipment, instruments, or satellites it is delivering to orbit. In cybersecurity, a payload is the part of malicious software that performs the harmful activity, like deleting files or stealing data. Essentially, payloads are what something is designed to deliver or accomplish—whether it's physical cargo, data, or harmful actions—making them a key concept across various fields.