[Cyber Security Terms](/glossary) Enumeration Attack [Blog](/blog)[Breaches](/breaches)[Resources](/resources)[News](/news) [Cyber Security Terms](/glossary) # Enumeration Attack ##### [Edward Kost](/team/edward-kost) updated Nov 28, 2021 ###### Contents ## What is an Enumeration attack? During an enumeration attack, hackers verify records stored in a web server using brute-force methods. These attacks occur on web pages that interact with web server databases after a user submits a form. The two most commonly targeted web app pages in enumeration attacks are login pages and password reset pages. ## Key takeaways * To prevent enumeration attacks, web forms should never indicate the validity of submitted fields. Instead, an incorrect submission should simply let the user know that either the submitted username or password was incorrect. * Server response times could also indicate the validity of submitted records. Web servers commonly take longer to respond to incorrect submissions. * Limiting login attempts will mitigate brute force attacks, and therefore, enumeration attacks. * * ###### Reviewed by No items found. ###### Author ##### [Edward Kost](/team/edward-kost) ###### Reviewed by ##### [Kaushik Sen](/team/kaushik-sen) ###### Join 27,000+ cybersecurity newsletter subscribers ## Read more about Enumeration attacks Learn more about Enumeration Attack and the latest issues in cybersecurity. [UpGuard](/blog/what-is-an-enumeration-attack) [What is an Enumeration Attack? How they Work + Prevention Tips](/blog/what-is-an-enumeration-attack) #### [What is an Enumeration Attack? How they Work + Prevention Tips](/blog/what-is-an-enumeration-attack) Enumeration attacks help cybercriminals confirm sensitive records in a web server database. Learn how to prevent this malicious threat. [](/team/edward-kost) [Edward Kost](#) December 1, 2025 [View all blog posts](/blog) ## See UpGuard In Action Book a free, personalized onboarding call with one of our cybersecurity experts. [Contact sales](/demo) [Free demo](/demo) ## More from our blog Learn more about the latest issues in cybersecurity. [UpGuard](/blog/find-out-if-youre-exposed-on-the-dark-web) [Find Out if You're Exposed on the Dark Web](/blog/find-out-if-youre-exposed-on-the-dark-web) #### [Find Out if You're Exposed on the Dark Web](/blog/find-out-if-youre-exposed-on-the-dark-web) Answer 5 quick questions to predict what a dark web scan will find about your company. Then run the free scan to see your real exposure. 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