Maya OS: Indigenous Innovation in India’s Defence Ministry
The Indian Ministry of Defence has taken a significant stride towards enhancing cybersecurity and promoting indigenous innovation by announcing a transition from Microsoft’s Windows operating system to the homegrown “Maya” operating system. The concept of Maya OS was initially proposed in 2021 and has since been developed by efforts from various government bodies, including the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
Maya OS is founded upon the Ubuntu operating system, known for its security, popularity, and customization options. Based on the Linux software, Ubuntu supports wide varieties of applications, ensuring user-friendly functionality. This change was driven by escalating incidents of cyberwarfare and cybercrimes. It was a need to implement the cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical government infrastructure. In 2022 alone, India witnessed a staggering 13.91 lakh cyber security incidents. To counter these threats, the Defence Ministry recognized the need to bolster its cyber defenses and deemed the shift to Maya OS as an appropriate response.
This transition is not only driven by security concerns but also by the advantages of Maya OS over Windows. With its foundation on Ubuntu, Maya OS is deemed more secure and less susceptible to vulnerabilities than its Windows counterpart. It also offers advanced features, such as cloud storage integration, digital signatures, biometric authentication, full-disk encryption, and a novel feature named “Chakravyuh.” This chakravyuh boost the antivirus systems, creating a multi-layered defense against cyber threats.
Interestingly, the name “Maya,” meaning illusion in Hindi, is emblematic of the defensive strategy against hackers. The operating system is designed to create illusion to the hackers who will try to hack the defence ministry computers. Currently, Maya OS is being implemented on the computers within the Defence Ministry, with plans to extend its integration to other branches of the armed forces. The Indian Navy has already embraced this transition, while the Army and Air Force are currently in the process of adopting the indigenous operating system.
The Defence Ministry’s decision to rely to Maya OS goes beyond cybersecurity enhancement. It signifies a commitment to promoting indigenous innovation and reducing reliance on foreign software. By embracing Maya OS, the Ministry aims to boost domestic technological advancements and strengthen the country’s self-reliance in critical sectors. This transition is a strategic step towards fostering innovation within the nation.
The Defence Ministry is aiming to fully rely on Maya OS by the end of the year. This move not only signifies a monumental shift in the Ministry’s IT infrastructure but also sets a precedent for other governmental bodies and sectors to consider similar transitions in the pursuit of cybersecurity and indigenous innovation. Ultimately, the migration to Maya OS is a big step towards India’s digital sovereignty.
