1. A content processor for scanning data packets on a data network, each data packet having associated contents, the content processor comprising: a content scanning engine operable to compare the contents of the data packets with a database of known signatures, and to produce a conclusion based on the results of the comparison; a queue engine operable to buffer data packets for scanning by the content scanning engine; and a context engine receiving the data packets from the queue engine and operable to schedule the data packets to be scanned by the content scanning engine.