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HomeCybersecurity 101
Big Game Hunting

What is Big Game Hunting?

Written by: Monica Burgess

Published: 9/19/2025

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What is Big Game Hunting?

Big Game Hunting (BGH) is a term used to describe sophisticated ransomware attacks that specifically target high-value organizations. These attacks are meticulously planned and aim for maximum financial gain by attacking businesses, hospitals, and government institutions.


Picture cybercriminals acting more like sharp-shooters than opportunists, bypassing smaller targets for victims who are more likely to pay massive ransoms.

Understanding Big Game Hunting

Big Game Hunting is not your average malware campaign. Instead of casting a wide net with general attacks, threat actors choose their targets carefully, focusing on entities with high-value assets, sensitive data, or critical workflows. These operations often involve weeks or even months of reconnaissance to identify vulnerabilities before deploying ransomware.

For example, a Big Game Hunting attack might target a hospital system, locking up patient records and critical care technologies. Attackers bet on the victim’s willingness to pay a hefty ransom to quickly restore operations since the stakes include lives or significant business downtime.

Why is Big Game Hunting dangerous?

The stakes in Big Game Hunting go beyond individual data breaches. These attacks:

  • Cause massive disruption: Shutting down services like healthcare, transportation, or utilities could lead to catastrophic consequences.

  • Demand astronomical ransoms: While typical ransomware demands may range in thousands, Big Game Hunting demands often balloon into millions.

  • Exploit vulnerable systems: Attackers frequently rely on unpatched software or unsecured remote desktop protocols to breach their targets.

  • Damage reputations: The public fallout from these attacks can severely harm a company’s image and erode customer trust.

Simply put, the financial and societal impact of Big Game Hunting makes it one of the most concerning trends in ransomware today.

How to protect against Big Game Hunting

Defending against Big Game Hunting requires robust cybersecurity measures and proactive planning. Here’s what organizations can do:

  • Patch vulnerabilities regularly: Ensure that all software, particularly operating systems and email gateways, is updated.

  • Implement strong access controls: Use measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and least-privileged access to limit entry points for attackers.

  • Segment networks: Isolate critical systems so that an attacker’s movement is restricted even if they gain access.

  • Conduct employee training: Educate staff about phishing and social engineering tactics frequently used in these attacks.

  • Back up critical systems: Retain multiple, widely separated backups and test your ability to restore them promptly.

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Big Game Hunting FAQs

The term comes from hunting big game in the wilderness, where attackers target large, valuable prey. Similarly, in cybersecurity, "big game" refers to organizations with the resources and incentive to pay large ransoms.

While regular ransomware often targets anyone who can pay, Big Game Hunters specifically choose high-value targets, using more advanced tools and strategies for maximum reward.

Critical infrastructure industries like healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and government are frequent targets due to their reliance on uninterrupted operations and sensitive data.

Typically, smaller businesses are not the primary focus. However, those with connections to larger organizations, such as suppliers or contractors, may still be targeted as a way to breach bigger networks.

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