Defence Ministry to install new OS ‘Maya’ to protect computers from cyberattacks
Total Views | 102
By the end of this year, India's Defence Ministry will replace Microsoft's Windows with an indigenously designed operating system dubbed Maya OS. The ministry intends to defend its systems against threats by doing so. Armed Forces will shortly adopt the OS.
Maya OS is a new operating system created by the Union Ministry of Defence to safeguard its computer systems from cyberattacks. It is built on the open-source Ubuntu platform, which means it makes use of free and open-source software. Maya OS promises to provide a strong defense against cyber-attacks while mimicking the interface and functionality of Windows OS, ensuring a smooth transition for users.
Maya OS also includes Chakravyuh, an end-point anti-malware and antivirus software that provides a virtual barrier between the user and the internet to prevent hackers from accessing important data. Maya OS is anticipated to be implemented on all Defense Ministry computers by the end of this year.
Maya OS development began in 2021, following repeated assaults on India's key infrastructure and defense systems by outside adversaries. The Defense Ministry made the decision to replace Microsoft Windows with a domestically developed operating system that would be more safe and dependable. Maya OS was developed by a team of professionals from several government institutions, including the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), using the open-source Ubuntu platform. To test and refine the OS, the company also worked with Indian software businesses and academic organizations. According to sources, the operating system was created in six months.
Maya OS is called from the ancient Indian idea of illusion, which refers to the appearance of reality that is false. When hackers attempt to break into Defence Ministry computer networks, they will be confronted with maya, or illusion. Maya OS is also inspired by the ancient Indian art of combat, since it employs a feature known as Chakravyuh, which is a multi-layered defensive configuration employed in the epic Mahabharata. Chakravyuh is end-point anti-malware and antivirus software that builds a virtual barrier between the user and the internet, preventing harmful attempts to access or corrupt data.
The user interface
Maya OS is intended to give its users with a user-friendly and familiar interface by mimicking the appearance and feel of Windows. It also supports a variety of programs and software utilized by the Defense Ministry, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, and others. Maya OS also has cloud storage, encryption, digital signatures, biometric identification, and other capabilities that improve its security and usefulness.
Maya OS is planned to replace Microsoft Windows OS on all Defence Ministry computers by the end of this year. According to the Defence Ministry, Maya OS would not only boost cybersecurity but will also minimize reliance on foreign software and stimulate domestic innovation. The Defence Ministry has also stated that the Maya OS would be adopted by the Indian armed forces' other branches, such as the Army, Navy, and Air Force, since they have previously vetted and analyzed the OS.
What exactly is Maya OS?
Maya OS is a new operating system created by the Union Ministry of Defence to safeguard its computer systems from cyberattacks. It is built on the open-source Ubuntu platform, which means it makes use of free and open-source software. Maya OS promises to provide a strong defense against cyber-attacks while mimicking the interface and functionality of Windows OS, ensuring a smooth transition for users.
Maya OS also includes Chakravyuh, an end-point anti-malware and antivirus software that provides a virtual barrier between the user and the internet to prevent hackers from accessing important data. Maya OS is anticipated to be implemented on all Defense Ministry computers by the end of this year.
The evolution of the operating system
Maya OS development began in 2021, following repeated assaults on India's key infrastructure and defense systems by outside adversaries. The Defense Ministry made the decision to replace Microsoft Windows with a domestically developed operating system that would be more safe and dependable. Maya OS was developed by a team of professionals from several government institutions, including the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), using the open-source Ubuntu platform. To test and refine the OS, the company also worked with Indian software businesses and academic organizations. According to sources, the operating system was created in six months.
What is the significance of name ‘maya’ ?
Maya OS is called from the ancient Indian idea of illusion, which refers to the appearance of reality that is false. When hackers attempt to break into Defence Ministry computer networks, they will be confronted with maya, or illusion. Maya OS is also inspired by the ancient Indian art of combat, since it employs a feature known as Chakravyuh, which is a multi-layered defensive configuration employed in the epic Mahabharata. Chakravyuh is end-point anti-malware and antivirus software that builds a virtual barrier between the user and the internet, preventing harmful attempts to access or corrupt data.
The user interface
Maya OS is intended to give its users with a user-friendly and familiar interface by mimicking the appearance and feel of Windows. It also supports a variety of programs and software utilized by the Defense Ministry, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, and others. Maya OS also has cloud storage, encryption, digital signatures, biometric identification, and other capabilities that improve its security and usefulness.
Rollout and adoption timeline
Maya OS is planned to replace Microsoft Windows OS on all Defence Ministry computers by the end of this year. According to the Defence Ministry, Maya OS would not only boost cybersecurity but will also minimize reliance on foreign software and stimulate domestic innovation. The Defence Ministry has also stated that the Maya OS would be adopted by the Indian armed forces' other branches, such as the Army, Navy, and Air Force, since they have previously vetted and analyzed the OS.
Bharati Web
Related News
04 Jul 2025
