Defence Ministry to switch to locally built OS Maya amid threats

Source: The post is based on the article “Defence Ministry to switch to locally built OS Maya amid threats”  published in The Hindu on 8th August 2023.

What is the News?

The Defence Ministry has decided to replace the Microsoft Operating System (OS) in all computers connected to the Internet with the Maya Operating System(OS).

What is Maya Operating System(OS)?

Maya OS is a new operating system that is based on Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution that uses free and open-source software. 

Developed by: Ministry of Defence Ministry with the help of various government agencies, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), and the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

Advantages: One of the main advantages of Maya OS is that it has a similar interface and functionality as Windows, making it easy for users to adapt to it. 

– It also has a feature called Chakravyuh which is an end-point anti-malware and antivirus software that creates a virtual layer between the user and the internet, blocking hackers from accessing sensitive data.

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is a popular Linux operating system known for its strong security. It’s considered more secure than Windows because it has fewer vulnerabilities and malware issues. 

Ubuntu is also distributed as free and open-source software, which means that anyone can inspect, modify, and improve its code. This allows Ubuntu to benefit from the collective efforts of thousands of developers and users who contribute to its development and security. 

It also has built-in security features like a firewall, strict user permissions, and regular updates to guard against threats.

What is the significance of using Maya OS?

India’s critical infrastructure has seen numerous cyberattacks and security breaches in recent years. Some of the most notable incidents include the cyberattack on Kudankulum Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in 2019, the Mumbai Power Grid outage in 2020, the ransomware attacks on Oil India Limited and Spice Jet servers in 2022, and the Goa Flood Monitoring System hack.

Hence, using an indigenous operating system could not only be a promising step towards securing India’s vital computer systems from malicious actors, but also reduce the country’s reliance on foreign software and enhance its cyber resilience.