The India’s Defence Ministry has decided to replace the Microsoft Operating System (OS) in all computers connected to the Internet with a new OS, Maya.
Key points
- The decision was taken in the face of increasing cyber and malware attacks on defence as well as critical infrastructure across the country.
- There have been a series of malware and ransom attacks in the country, including on critical infrastructure in the recent past.
- There have been several efforts in the past as well in the Defence Ministry to replace Windows OS with an Indian one.
- Maya OS is a new operating system developed by the Union Ministry of Defence to protect its computer systems from cyberattacks.
- It is based on the open-source Ubuntu platform, which means it uses free and publicly available software.
- Maya OS aims to provide a robust defence against cyber threats by offering an interface and functionalities that are similar to that of Windows OS, ensuring a seamless transition for users.
- Maya OS also comes with a feature called Chakravyuh, which is an end-point anti-malware and antivirus software.
- To begin with, the direction is to install Maya on all computers connected to the Internet in South Block before August 15.
- In addition, an ‘end point detection and protection system’, Chakravyuh, is also being installed in these systems.
- Currently, Maya is being installed only in Defence Ministry systems and not on computers connected to the networks of the three Services.
