Windows Phone 8 malware developed

A teenage security researcher has claimed to have developed the first instance of Windows Phone 8 malware.

The malware has the capacity to steal private user data including contacts and text messages, could upload pictures and was designed to trick its way past security vetting to be hosted on the Microsoft app store.

Indian hacker prodigy Shantanu Gawde did not reveal to reporters details of the malware, including if it relied on a vulnerability in the Windows Phone 8 platform. 

Gawde, 16, will reveal the malware at the upcoming Malcon security event this month and share the findings with anti-virus companies.

At seven years old, he was the world's youngest Microsoft Certified Application Developer.

Last year at Malcon he released details of malware that utilsed the Xbox Kinect.

Microsoft Trustworthy Computing director Dave Forstrum said it did not have details on the malware.

"Microsoft is aware of the upcoming presentation but further details have not been shared with us," Forstrum said.

Windows Phone 8 was released just over two weeks ago on October 29 and includes security features like secure boot and 128-bit Bitlocker encryption.

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