Status Code

Definition

A status code is a number that a web server sends back to a browser or script to show the result of a request. When you try to load a webpage, the server processes the request and responds with both the webpage content and a status code that explains what happened. Status codes help computers and analysts understand whether the request succeeded, failed, or was redirected to another location.

Status codes are grouped by the first digit of the number:

* **1xx**: Information responses
* **2xx**: Success responses (the request worked)
* **3xx**: Redirects (the content moved somewhere else)
* **4xx**: Client errors (the request was wrong or unauthorized)
* **5xx**: Server errors (the server failed while trying to complete the request)

Common examples include:

* **200 OK**: The request worked normally
* **301 Moved Permanently**: The resource is at a different URL
* **401 Unauthorized**: The client needs to log in first
* **403 Forbidden**: Logged in, but not allowed to access the resource
* **404 Not Found**: The server cannot find the requested page or file
* **500 Internal Server Error**: Something went wrong on the server

In cybersecurity, status codes help defenders understand how attackers interact with web servers. Many failed requests (such as repeated 404 or 403 errors) may indicate scanning or reconnaissance. A sudden spike in 500 errors might signal that the server is under attack or malfunctioning. Analyzing status codes gives investigators important clues during incident response and threat hunting.

Status Code

Definition

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