Introduction
Beware, Hackers!!!!!! A new homemade operating system (OS), Maya is launched, If someone chooses to illegally access the computer networks belonging to India’s Ministry of Defense. They may have to face Maya.
To safeguard their computer systems from hackers, India’s Ministry of Defense is implementing strong measures. They have opted to switch from using the Microsoft operating system to a locally developed one called the Maya operating system, which is based on open-source technology. The new system is anticipated to enhance cybersecurity. As a trial, some of the ministry’s computers will have Maya OS by August 15, 2023. The Indian Navy has already chosen Maya OS for their systems, and the Army and Air Force are exploring it too. The Ministry of Defence aims to ensure safety by using Maya OS, as cyber-attacks can be very damaging. The government agency created the new system in just six months and added extra security features. This decision comes in the aftermath of a cyberattack investigation that revealed the involvement of hackers from China. With cyber-attacks on the rise globally, India is taking critical measures to protect its digital infrastructure.
What is MAYA OS???
In 2021, the Indian Service of Protection successfully developed its own operating system, Maya, to enhance the security of its computer systems. The Maya was developed by a collaborative effort between government agencies, software companies and academics, which took approximately 6 (SIX) months to complete.
The operating system of Maya is totally based on the open-source platform known as Ubuntu, which allows us to take full advantage of the open-source software while providing a user-friendly interface like Windows. This choice depended on the way that it acquires the Ubuntu security highlights, making the working framework safer against programmers.
Its operating system boasts an additional security feature known as Chakravyuh, which is anti-malware and antivirus software. It makes a defensive layer between the netizens and the internet, subsequently protecting against malicious attempts to access or think twice about. This makes the working structure more powerful against programmers.
The functioning construction of this structure is intended to be easy to understand and instinctive for the people who use it, with a smooth change from the past design. It upholds regularly utilised applications like Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and AutoCAD. Moreover, it gives elements like distributed storage, encryption, advanced marks, and biometric validation to upgrade both security and usefulness.
Maya’s operating system has undergone strict evaluations and tests, and it has successfully been approved by the Navy for use. The Army and Air Force are currently evaluating the operating system for potential adoption across their respective services, which further cements its confidence as a reliable and secure operating system.
Why Name Maya???
Authorities have made an important move to protect their computer systems by naming their operating system “Maya”, which means deception in Hindi. This clever naming choice represents their goal to confuse and deceive any potential digital intruders. Additionally, their antivirus software is named “Chakravyuh”, which draws inspiration from the multi-layered defence system used in the epic Indian tale, Mahabharata. These symbolic names demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to online security. Just as Maya confounded those who encountered it, the protection systems aim to confuse any malicious attempts. By adopting the concept of Chakravyuh, the operating system reinforces its impenetrable defences, similar to a wartime strategy. This essential combination of cultural references and technological capability showcases confidence and emphasises the government’s proactive approach to defending sensitive information and critical infrastructure.
Why Switched to Maya????
India is facing a surge in cybercrime and digital attacks, with over 1.3 million occurrences in 2022, many of which originated from China. Significant areas like healthcare and defence were targeted, with even Solar Enterprises Limited falling prey to a ransomware attack. This has raised concerns about compromised sensitive data, especially given China’s digital capabilities and history of disrupting India’s systems. To counter this threat, India’s defence ministry is transitioning to the Maya operating system for enhanced security. Additionally, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched an initiative to develop indigenous web browsers that will compete globally and offer improved security with a CCA India pull approval. Arvind Kumar emphasised the need for India to reduce its reliance on foreign programs and technologies while adhering to international standards.
Overall, India’s move to the Maya operating system and the development of native web browsers reflect efforts to bolster cybersecurity, safeguard sensitive data, and decrease dependence on external technologies.
Advantages of Maya OS:
The following are the advantages of Maya OS:
- Enhanced Security: Maya’s operating system has been chosen by India’s protection service to combat the increasing digital threats arising from countries like China. With a focus on security, the system is poised to withstand cyber attacks and safeguard sensitive public data with advanced protection measures.
- Customisation: The Indian defence foundation has created the Maya operating system in-house to meet their unique security and usability needs. This personalised approach ensures excellent safety measures and dramatically improves productivity.
- National Sovereignty: Using a locally developed operating system improves public control and authority over critical systems. It also reduces the risk of foreign interference or espionage through software vulnerabilities.
- Reduced Dependence: To reduce its dependence on foreign technologies and lower the risk of cyber attacks, India could switch to a native operating system like Maya. This would help prevent any vulnerabilities or backdoors that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Disadvantages of Maya OS:
The following are the disadvantages of Maya OS:
- Learning Curve: Changing to another working structure includes an expectation to learn and adapt for users who are familiar with utilising laid-out stages like Windows or Linux. Preparing and transformation could dial back efficiency during the underlying stages.
- Global Compatibility: While the objective is to make a native internet browser, guaranteeing worldwide similarity and adherence to worldwide norms could present difficulties, possibly restricting the program’s adequacy on the worldwide stage.
- Potential bugs and vulnerabilities: Like any new programming, the Maya operating system could be the first that contains bugs or weaknesses that could be taken advantage of by digital attackers. Thorough testing and nonstop updates are fundamental to guarantee the operating system stays secure over the long haul.
- Limited development expertise: Fostering a powerful and secure working structure requires an elevated degree of specialised skill. Assuming India misses the mark on an important ability pool, it could prompt difficulties in guaranteeing the operating system’s unwavering quality and security.
Conclusion
In spite of the fact that cybercrime and assault are increasing or rising rapidly, India is now going to extend their security to improve its network safety. The change to the Maya operating system lines up with this requirement for further developed guard against digital dangers. With occurrences of digital assaults on basic framework and guard workers for hire, the shift is vital to safeguard delicate information. The send-off of a native internet browser program further builds up this drive by meaning to lessen dependence on unfamiliar advances and support information security. These endeavours, all in all, mirror India’s assurance to protect its computerised scene and individual data in a quickly developing computerized world.
Author: Priya Bala, Assistant Trainer
