What is Big-Game Hunting?
Big-game hunting in the context of cybersecurity refers to a strategic approach employed by ransomware operators targeting large organizations with the potential for substantial financial gain. This method is significant within the ransomware ecosystem as it focuses on high-value targets, such as multinational corporations, government agencies, and critical infrastructure, where the impact of a ransomware attack can be devastating, and the likelihood of a substantial ransom payment is higher.
In the ransomware attack chain, big-game hunting plays a crucial role across various stages. During the initial access phase, threat actors often utilize sophisticated techniques such as spear-phishing, exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities, or leveraging compromised credentials to infiltrate the target's network. Once inside, attackers engage in privilege escalation to gain administrative access, allowing them to disable security measures and move laterally across the network undetected.
Lateral movement is a critical stage in big-game hunting, as it enables attackers to identify and access critical systems and data. This stage often involves the use of tools like Cobalt Strike or Mimikatz to harvest credentials and map the network infrastructure. Once the attackers have established control over key assets, they deploy the ransomware payload, encrypting data and systems to maximize operational disruption.
Data exfiltration is another common tactic in big-game hunting, where attackers steal sensitive information before encryption. This dual-threat approach not only increases pressure on the victim to pay the ransom but also provides leverage for extortion, as attackers threaten to release the stolen data publicly if their demands are not met.
Ransomware campaigns that leverage big-game hunting often involve well-organized threat actor groups with significant resources and expertise. These groups meticulously plan their attacks, sometimes spending weeks or months within a network before deploying ransomware. The use of big-game hunting in ransomware playbooks highlights the shift towards more targeted and financially motivated cybercrime, where the focus is on extracting maximum value from each attack.
Real-world examples of big-game hunting tactics include the use of advanced persistent threat (APT) techniques, where attackers maintain a long-term presence within a network to gather intelligence and ensure the success of their ransomware operations. These campaigns demonstrate the evolving nature of ransomware threats and the need for organizations to implement robust cybersecurity measures, including threat intelligence, network segmentation, and incident response planning, to defend against such sophisticated attacks.
