Unveiling the Enigma: Delving into the Intricacies of Maya OS - India's Indigenous Operating System Empowered by Chakravyuh Security

10 Aug, (VNI) The decision by the Indian Ministry of Defense to transition away from the Windows operating system to Maya OS, a domestically crafted software with a distinctive security feature named Chakravyuh, is causing waves. Below, you'll find comprehensive insights into this transformation.

Significant changes are on the horizon within the Defense Ministry's cybersecurity realm. A strategic move has been unveiled, involving the replacement of the prevalent Windows system across all web-connected computers with the novel Maya OS. This strategic shift comes as a countermeasure to the surge in menacing malware and ransomware assaults, whose frequency and intensity have notably escalated in recent periods.

Yet, what exactly is Maya OS, and how does it deviate from the conventional Windows system? What advantages does it confer upon the military, and who are the masterminds behind its conception? These pressing questions will be addressed below.

What is Maya OS?
Maya OS, a pioneering operating system, stands upon the foundation of Ubuntu, a renowned Linux distribution renowned for its utilization of open-source software. The Defense Ministry, in collaboration with various governmental entities including the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), and the National Informatics Center (NIC), has meticulously forged the innovative Maya OS.

Maya OS's most commendable attribute is its seamless interface and functionality alignment with Windows. This congruence ensures an effortless user transition. A notable component within Maya OS is Chakravyuh, an endpoint security mechanism that erects a virtual shield between users and the web's realm, effectively thwarting unauthorized data access by hackers.

Elaborating on Ubuntu's Superiority and Security Measures
Ubuntu, a globally embraced Linux distribution, is synonymous with top-tier security. It diverges markedly from Windows due to its limited exposure to malware and vulnerabilities. This advantage stems from Ubuntu's streamlined services and lack of backward compatibility, traits that render it less susceptible to breaches.

The open-source essence of Ubuntu empowers an inclusive community to scrutinize, enhance, and refine its coding. This inclusive approach harnesses the combined expertise of countless developers and users, contributing to robust development and enhanced security. Additionally, Ubuntu boasts an inherent firewall, stringent user permissions, and regular security updates, fortifying its immunity to potential threats.

Inception and Development of Maya OS
In the wake of foreign-sponsored cyberattacks targeting vital Indian infrastructure and defense systems, the concept of Maya OS emerged in 2021. This notion inspired the Defense Ministry to cultivate an in-house operating system, envisioned to outshine the reliability and security of Microsoft Windows.

Drawing from the expertise of diverse governmental bodies, an assemblage of specialists dedicated six months to the refinement of Maya OS, bolstered by the cooperative efforts of domestic software enterprises and academic institutions. The rigorous development cycle culminated in the scrutiny of all three branches of the armed forces, with the Navy endorsing it and the Army and Air Force in the midst of evaluations.

When Will Maya OS Take the command?
At present, Maya OS remains in its evaluation phase, poised for an impending debut. The blueprint entails deploying Maya on all web-connected systems within South Block before August 15, accompanied by the Chakravyuh safeguard system. The remaining systems are scheduled for migration to Maya OS by year-end.

Maya OS: A Stride Forward
India's vital infrastructure has endured a barrage of cyber incursions and security breaches in recent history. Noteworthy incidents encompass the 2019 cyberattack on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), the 2020 Mumbai Power Grid blackout, the 2022 ransomware assaults on Oil India Limited and Spice Jet servers, and the hack of the Goa Flood Monitoring System.