A load test simulates the expected peak load on a system to examine its behavior under heavy use. Measured parameters include response times, throughput, resource consumption, and error rates. A load test differs from a stress test, which deliberately pushes load beyond the expected peak. For your ISMS, load testing matters because availability is a protection objective: a system that collapses under load violates the availability commitments to your interested parties. Conduct load tests before launching new systems and after significant architecture changes. Document results and define thresholds that trigger capacity measures when exceeded.