In computer security terminology, a delayed payload in a malicious program that is triggered at a specific date, time or event is commonly referred to as what?

Introduction / Context:
This question covers basic malware terminology. Some malicious programs are designed so that they do not cause damage immediately. Instead, they lie dormant inside a system and activate their harmful payload only when a certain condition is met, such as a particular date or a specific action by the user. Understanding the names used for these delayed actions is important for recognising different types of threats.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to a delayed payload inside a virus or similar malicious program.
• The payload is triggered at a specific time or event.
• Options include logic bomb, late virus, time bomb, anti virus and keylogger.
• We assume standard cybersecurity terminology as used in exam guides.

Concept / Approach:
A time bomb is a piece of malicious code that activates at a particular time or on a particular date. When the condition is met, the payload executes and can damage data, display messages or perform other harmful actions. The broader idea of code that triggers under certain conditions is sometimes called a logic bomb, but in many basic exam questions, the specific phrase time bomb is used when the condition is strictly time based. Anti virus refers to software that protects systems, and keyloggers are spyware that captures keystrokes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase delayed payload, which suggests the malicious action does not occur immediately. Step 2: The question also mentions the idea of a trigger, usually a specific time or event, that causes the payload to execute. Step 3: In simple security terminology, code that waits for a particular date or time to trigger its payload is called a time bomb. Step 4: A logic bomb is conceptually similar but highlights a broader range of conditions, not only time based triggers, and is usually treated as a more general term. Step 5: Late virus is not a standard technical phrase and appears to be a distractor. Step 6: Anti virus is protective software designed to detect and remove malware, not a type of malicious payload. Step 7: Keyloggers record keystrokes silently but do not usually depend on a specific delayed trigger in the way described. Step 8: Therefore, for a delayed payload that activates at a certain time, the best textbook term is time bomb.

Verification / Alternative check:
Security textbooks and exam notes often define a time bomb as malicious code that is programmed to carry out an action at a particular time or on a specific date, for example on an anniversary or at the end of a month. Classic examples include malware that deletes files on a certain day. The same sources may also define logic bomb more broadly as code that executes when a particular condition is true. Because the question emphasises delay and time, time bomb is the closest match among the options provided.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Logic bomb is a related term but is more general and is not explicitly restricted to time based triggers in basic exam language. Late virus is not recognised terminology. Anti virus is protective software, not a destructive payload. Keyloggers are used for spying and normally begin recording as soon as they are executed rather than waiting for a special time based condition to activate a single delayed payload.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse logic bomb and time bomb because both involve conditions and delayed actions. The key is to read the wording of the question carefully. When the focus is on a specific time or date, time bomb is the safer answer in entry level questions. When the condition is any logical test, logic bomb may be used. Remembering this distinction will help avoid mistakes.

Final Answer:
A delayed malware payload that activates at a specific time is commonly called a time bomb.