Ursa

Ursa is a highly active and motivated malware threat actor, also known as APT28, Fancy Bear, and Sofacy, which has been linked to various high-profile cyberattacks, including the US election interference in 2016 and the NotPetya attacks. The group is known for its use of the HeadLace backdoor malware, which is exclusive to this threat actor. In July 2023, Unit42 reported on Fighting Ursa's phishing scheme targeting diplomats through a used car sale lure, distributing the HeadLace backdoor malware. This tactic aligns with previously documented campaigns by Fighting Ursa and other Russian threat actors. The Hyperledger Foundation's Ursa project, unrelated to the malware, involves post-quantum cryptography in the production of open-source software for blockchain. Meanwhile, the Ursa Major company, based in Colorado, focuses on 3D rocket engine printing. Established in Youngstown, Ohio, in 2021 through a $3 million contract from America Makes, Ursa Major's Advanced Manufacturing Lab aims to boost U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through the adoption of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. In terms of funding, Ursa Major recently announced that it received an additional $1.2 million from America Makes to transition its additive manufacturing of rocket engine hardware prototypes to production qualification hardware. This follows their earlier work producing thrust chambers for the vacuum variant of their Hadley liquid rocket engine. These developments represent significant advancements in additive manufacturing techniques for solid rocket motor production, positioning Ursa Major at the forefront of this innovative field.