In a pivotal move aimed at bolstering its cyber defense capabilities, India’s Ministry of Defence has embarked on a transformative path by embracing the ‘Maya’ operating system—a domestically developed alternative that supersedes the use of Microsoft’s OS. This strategic maneuver signifies the nation’s resolute dedication to fortifying its cybersecurity measures in the face of a mounting tide of cyber threats.
Crafted and conceived by a government entity, the Maya Operating System serves as a remarkable testament to homegrown innovation and unwavering commitment. Impressively, this operating system was conceptualized and brought to fruition in a mere six-month span. Leveraging the foundations of the open-source Ubuntu framework, the locally-engineered Maya OS showcases an interface and functionality akin to Windows, ensuring a seamless transition for users migrating from the erstwhile system.
The upcoming phase entails a trial run of the Maya operating system, set to initiate by August 15. This preliminary endeavor will witness the gradual deployment of the Maya OS onto a limited number of computers within the ministry’s ambit, with well-defined plans in motion to progressively extend its integration across the entirety of interconnected systems.
Amidst the prevailing digital landscape, India confronted an alarming 18% surge in weekly cyber attacks during the initial quarter of 2023. This surge in threats translated to an average of 2,108 attacks per week, per organization within the country. In an unsettling revelation from a cybersecurity company’s survey, approximately 73% of Indian organizations fell victim to pernicious ransomware attacks.
The burgeoning realm of cybersecurity vulnerabilities within India is expanding its boundaries, with the healthcare sector emerging as a primary target, closely followed by defense and education domains. As the nation marches steadfastly towards digitization, the horizon of potential threats inevitably widens, attracting malicious cyber actors seeking to exploit these newly created avenues.
Leading this transformative initiative is General M U Nair, the esteemed National Cyber Security Coordinator, poised to navigate India’s cybersecurity landscape towards a more secure and resilient future.