In a bid to counter the escalating threat of cyberattacks and malware, India’s Defence Ministry has decided to replace the existing operating system on its computers with the locally developed OS Maya. This decision comes amid a surge in cyberattacks targeting the country’s defense and critical infrastructure.
OS Maya, built based on open-source Ubuntu, is set to replace Microsoft’s operating system on all computers within the Defence Ministry. The transition aims to enhance cybersecurity by utilizing a locally developed solution. The move is driven by the need to safeguard sensitive defense data from cyber threats and to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
The transition to OS Maya is expected to be seamless for users, as the new operating system offers a user-friendly interface similar to Windows. A security feature known as “Chakravyuh” is also being integrated into the systems to provide an advanced endpoint detection and protection mechanism.
Initially, the transition to OS Maya is being implemented within the Defence Ministry, specifically on computers connected to the internet in the South Block. Additionally, the Navy has already cleared the use of the operating system, and the Army and Air Force are currently evaluating its adoption. This suggests that the other three branches of the armed services are likely to follow suit in adopting OS Maya.
The development of OS Maya by government agencies underscores India’s determination to bolster its cybersecurity infrastructure and protect critical systems against cyber threats. The move also reflects the growing trend among nations to prioritize local solutions to enhance cybersecurity and reduce dependency on foreign technologies.