Big data is large amounts of data that are difficult to manage and process using traditional database tools. It is characterized by high volume, velocity, and variety. Big data is now commonly found in data warehouses, online transaction processing systems, social networks, and scientific devices. To effectively filter big data, it must be extracted from raw feeds, transformed into a usable set of data, and loaded into systems. While big data enables better decision making and new opportunities, it also poses risks like being overwhelmed by the data or privacy issues that require mitigation through the right expertise, focus, and regulations.