Defence Ministry to switch to locally built OS in computers amid threats

In a significant step towards strengthening its cyber defenses, India’s Ministry of Defence has taken a decisive step by opting to replace the Microsoft operating system with a domestically developed alternative named the ‘Maya‘ operating system. This strategic move aims to elevate the nation’s cybersecurity measures in the face of escalating cyber threats.

The Maya OS: A Homegrown Solution to Cybersecurity Challenges

Devised and formed by a government organization, the Maya Operating System stands as a testament to local innovation and dedication. Its was created within a brief timeframe of just six months.
The locally-developed OS was constructed using the open-source Ubuntu framework. Maya boasts an interface and full functionality akin to Windows, ensuring a seamless transition for users.
A trial run of the Maya operating system is set to commence by August 15. The preliminary phase will witness the deployment of the Maya OS on a limited number of ministry computers, with plans in place to scale its implementation across the entire spectrum of connected systems.

Escalating Cybersecurity Threats in India

In the initial quarter of 2023, India witnessed an 18% increase in weekly cyber attacks. On average, each organization in India encountered 2,108 attacks per week.
A cybersecurity company’s survey revealed that around 73% of organizations based in India fell victim to ransomware attacks.
The expanse of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in India is expanding, with the healthcare sector assuming a leading role, followed by defense and education.
With the nation embracing digitization, the range of threats naturally broadens, attracting malicious cyber attackers.