Description: Payload overload refers to a situation where the amount of data sent over a network exceeds its handling capacity. This phenomenon can occur under various circumstances, such as during a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, where multiple systems send massive requests to a server, overwhelming it and causing it to become inoperative. Payload overload can lead to decreased network performance, slower response times, and, in extreme cases, total service outages. This concept is crucial in the field of cybersecurity, as understanding how it occurs and can be mitigated is essential for protecting critical infrastructures. The main characteristics of payload overload include the inability of systems to efficiently process incoming information, which can lead to data loss and service disruption. Furthermore, identifying and managing this overload is fundamental to maintaining the integrity and availability of networks, especially in an environment where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent.
