An Irish school-goer provoked a worldwide alert when he attempted to hack into the Microsoft X-Box system, it has been reported.

The 14-year-old from Tallaght in Dublin hacked the popular online game Modern Warfare 2 resulting in an alert been issued to millions of computer users.

Microsoft bosses were concerned that sensitive information  about Microsoft’s customers were jeopardised after the incident.

The news emerged when the General Manager of Microsoft in Ireland, Paul Rellis delivered his key note address during Bank of Ireland Business Week.

Rellis revealed that Microsoft planned to work with the Dublin teenager to develop his talent for legitimate purposes.

When the hack occurred it was feared it was a follow up on the theft of personal details of some 77 million users.