A British cybersecurity expert has successfully earned the right to live and work in Australia after uncovering a serious vulnerability in the country's foreign office website. Jacob Riggs, a 36-year-old specialist from south-east London, identified the flaw during a professional test of his technical skills, an act that ultimately proved pivotal for his visa application.
The Unconventional Security Assessment
Mr Riggs accessed the Australian government site as part of a routine professional assessment, applying his standard methodology to demonstrate his capabilities. He emphasised that his approach was purely professional, stating he treated it as a standard security evaluation. The critical vulnerability, which had gone undetected until his test, was identified in just one hour and fifty minutes. Crucially, he reported the flaw directly to Australian authorities instead of exploiting it, a move later acknowledged as highly valuable by officials.
A Visa Secured by Exceptional Skill
This unconventional proof of ability became the decisive factor in Mr Riggs' application for one of Australia's most exclusive visas. The visa category requires applicants to demonstrate exceptional skills that can benefit national security and critical infrastructure. "While I was aware of the significance for my visa application, I approached it as a routine security assessment," Mr Riggs reflected. While most applicants rely on paperwork and references, his application featured dramatic, real-world proof of his ability to find security cracks before malicious actors could.
Relocation and Recruitment in Cyber Defence
The successful application means Jacob Riggs is now preparing to relocate to Sydney within the next year, where he is expected to work in the cyber defence and security sector. His case highlights Australia's active recruitment of top international cyber talent amidst growing global concerns over state-sponsored hacking, espionage, and digital attacks on government systems. This strategic move by Australia aims to bolster its defences by attracting experts capable of proactively identifying and mitigating threats.
