According to a report in The Hindu, India will abandon Microsoft systems and choose new operating systems and endpoint detection and protection systems.
The much-anticipated 'Maya OS' will soon be used in the digital domain of the Indian Ministry of Defence, along with the new endpoint detection and protection system 'Chakravyuh'.
However, the Indian Ministry of Defense has not confirmed this or released official news.
Maya OS and Indian Ministry of Defense
Since vulnerabilities often appear in Microsoft products, a country with a population of 1.486 billion cannot ignore the impact of these vulnerabilities.
While most defense computers are not connected to the Internet, there are still a significant number of computers that are interconnected and therefore vulnerable to cyber threats.
State-sponsored advanced persistent threat (ATP) groups have been known to target these systems with the aim of extracting sensitive information or establishing unauthorized network access for cyber espionage purposes.
In response to these changing cyber challenges, the Department of Defense is reportedly considering replacing Microsoft's operating system with the native "Maya" operating system on all Internet-connected computers.
The "Maya" operating system is a Linux-based distribution that draws inspiration from the popular Ubuntu operating system.
The transition is expected to be seamless, as Maya, like other GUI (graphical user interface) operating systems, will offer a similar user interface and functionality to Windows.
According to reports, the "Maya" operating system will be implemented in South District before India's Independence Day (i.e. August 15).
India aims to improve security with 'Maya' operating system
The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force have conducted a rigorous evaluation of the new operating system and the Navy has given its approval.
Meanwhile, the Army and Air Force are conducting comprehensive reviews. Once these reviews are complete, all three services are preparing to integrate Maya into their service networks, Gizbot reported.
The transition to Maya OS is accompanied by the introduction of "Chakravyuh," an advanced endpoint malware detection and protection system. This two-pronged approach is expected to curb the rise in cyberattacks targeting the country’s digital security.
The Department of Defense decided to adopt these advanced technologies in recognition of the escalating nature of cyber threats.
Despite the well-known and user-friendly Microsoft Windows operating system, several vulnerabilities and exploits, and the fact that threat actors keep targeting Windows machines have forced India to formulate a new course with the help of Maya OS and Chakravyuh Endpoint Security .
The Indian Ministry of Defense is preparing for a major technological change, which may bid farewell to Microsoft Windows and usher in the era of the "Maya" operating system.
Along with the deployment of the advanced "Chakravyuh" protection system, the move marks a bold step by India in safeguarding the country's digital sovereignty.