Maya OS to Replace Microsoft Windows on Defence Ministry Computers Amid Rising Cyber Threats: Details
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Maya OS is poised to supersede the Windows operating system as the chosen platform for the computers within the Defense Ministry, as per a recent report. Instead of the extensively utilized proprietary operating system from Microsoft, the Ministry of Defense is transitioning to a Linux-based operating system derived from the renowned Ubuntu distribution. The development of this operating system referred to as Maya OS, has been undertaken collaboratively by government agencies over six months. This initiative has been prompted by escalating cybersecurity concerns. Notably, Maya OS boasts an integrated malware protection mechanism, designed to fortify the security of computers linked to the internet.
According to recent coverage by The Hindu, the Defense Ministry is in the process of replacing internet-connected computers with the newly introduced Maya OS. The foundation of this OS is rooted in the open-source Linux distribution Ubuntu, which is upheld by the British firm Canonical. A distinctive aspect of Maya OS lies in its graphical user interface, which mirrors the appearance of Microsoft Windows. This design approach is anticipated to facilitate a smoother transition for users accustomed to the Windows interface.
By an official source referenced in the report, the deployment of Maya OS is underway on all internet-connected computers within the South Block of the Ministry of Defense. This endeavor is targeted for completion before the upcoming Independence Day on August 15. While the implementation has not yet extended to computers operated by the three defense services, the Navy has granted its endorsement. Meanwhile, the Air Force and Army are currently conducting comprehensive evaluations of the operating system before integrating it into their respective systems, as confirmed by the official in dialogue with The Hindu.
In response to the increasing frequency of ransomware and malware attacks in the country, a strategic move has been made to phase out Microsoft's Windows operating system. This shift is underpinned by the imperative to bolster security measures for internet-connected computers. This effort involves the development of a new operating system named Maya OS, which replaces Windows with a Linux-based foundation, particularly utilizing the widely recognized Ubuntu distribution. The collaborative work of several government agencies has contributed to the creation of Maya OS, a process spanning approximately six months, as outlined in the report.
It's noteworthy to emphasize that the intrinsic security advantage of conventional Linux-based operating systems, like Ubuntu, does not inherently surpass that of mainstream systems such as Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS. Various Linux-based distributions offer distinct levels of sandboxing, which restricts unauthorized access to system resources and files. However, it is worth noting that certain distributions, such as Qubes OS, have been designed with enhanced security measures, enabling effective isolation and compartmentalization of software within the computing environment.
In the landscape of domestically cultivated operating systems, it's essential to recognize that Maya OS is not the pioneering initiative. Bharat Operating System Solutions (BOSS) has been an ongoing Linux-based operating system project for over 16 years, having undergone prior testing by the Army. The development of BOSS is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the National Resource Centre for Free and Open Source Software (NRCFOSS). The most recent iteration, BOSS 9.0, carrying the codename "Urja," was officially launched on February 19, 2021.