A South London cybersecurity expert has been granted one of Australia's most exclusive visas after he ethically hacked a live government system to prove his world-class skills.
From Bexley to Sydney: A Visa Secured by a Hack
Jacob Riggs, a 36-year-old from Bexley, London, successfully obtained an invitation-only 858 National Innovation visa, a pathway reserved for individuals with internationally recognised achievements. The visa, formerly known as the Global Talent visa, is awarded to fewer than one percent of applicants and is typically associated with figures like Nobel laureates and Olympic medallists.
Riggs, who works as the global director of information security for a major Software as a Service (SaaS) provider, demonstrated his exceptional ability in a highly unusual way. In July, while at his home in Bexley, he identified a critical vulnerability in a live system operated by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
"I approached it as a routine security assessment," Riggs said, noting he was "not particularly" nervous. "It took roughly one hour and fifty minutes to identify the vulnerability", he explained, after testing multiple entry points and finding a weakness unknown to the organisation.
Proving Mastery in an Invisible Field
For Riggs, the hack was a tangible way to demonstrate the value of his work in cybersecurity, a field where preventing disasters often leaves no visible trace. "In cybersecurity, mastery is invisible unless you can show its impact," he stated. His responsible disclosure of the flaw provided concrete proof of his technical skill and his dedication to protecting Australia's digital infrastructure.
The Australian government formally acknowledged his contribution by adding his name to the DFAT Vulnerability Disclosure Program honour roll. This case highlights a modern, proactive model of cyber defence, which rewards experts for finding and responsibly reporting weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them.
A New Life Down Under Amid Cyber Threats
The decision grants Riggs full Australian residency rights. He is now preparing to relocate to Sydney within the next year to work in cyber defence, though he jokes that his cat still "needs convincing." His move comes at a critical time for Australia, which faces rising cyber threats including ransomware attacks and state-sponsored hacking.
Riggs' journey, sparked by a childhood interest in computers, validates years of self-directed study and leadership. His achievement underscores a broader shift in how nations assess and attract elite cyber talent, prioritising demonstrable, hands-on expertise over conventional credentials.
The Australian Government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the unique case.
