During which phase does the virus execute its payload?

In the context of computer viruses, the execution phase is when the malicious payload, or the part of the virus designed to cause harm or perform the intended harmful actions, is actually executed on the host system. This is a critical stage because it is at this point that the virus moves beyond simply being present in the system and begins to carry out its designed functions.

During the triggering phase, specific conditions must be met for the virus to become activated, but the payload is not executed until the virus reaches the execution phase. This distinction is vital because it highlights the progression and the interactive nature of how a virus operates once it has infiltrated a system. Therefore, the execution phase is pivotal as it's when the true impact of the virus can be felt, whether that be data corruption, unauthorized access, or any other malicious action that the virus was programmed to perform.