British man wins Australian visa by hacking into their foreign office website
Cyber specialist Jacob Riggs, 36, from south-east London, accessed the site as part of a professional test designed to demonstrate his technical abilities.
By OLIVIA ALLHUSEN, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER
Published: 08:49 GMT, 1 January 2026 | Updated: 08:49 GMT, 1 January 2026
A British man has won the right to live and work in Australia after hacking into the country's foreign office website to expose a serious security flaw.
Cyber specialist Jacob Riggs, 36, from south-east London, accessed the site as part of a professional test designed to demonstrate his technical abilities - a move that ultimately helped secure him one of Australia's most exclusive visas.
Explaining his actions, Mr Riggs said: 'I approached it as a routine security assessment and simply applied the same methodology I use professionally.'
The vulnerability, which had not previously been detected, was reported directly to Australian officials rather than exploited, with authorities later acknowledging the value of the discovery.
Mr Riggs said the flaw was identified quickly, adding: 'It took roughly one hour and 50 minutes to identify the vulnerability.'
The unconventional approach proved decisive in Mr Riggs' visa application, which required him to show exceptional skills that could benefit national security and critical infrastructure.
Reflecting on the process, he said: 'While I was aware of the significance for my visa application, I approached it as a routine security assessment.'
Cyber specialist Jacob Riggs, 36, from south-east London, accessed the site as part of a professional test designed to demonstrate his technical abilities - a move that ultimately helped secure him one of Australia's most exclusive visas
The unconventional approach proved decisive in Mr Riggs' visa application, which required him to show exceptional skills that could benefit national security and critical infrastructure (stock image)
He is now preparing to relocate to Sydney within the next year, where he is expected to work in cyber defence and security.
Australia has been actively recruiting top international cyber talent amid growing fears over hacking, espionage and digital attacks on government systems.
And while most visa applicants submit paperwork and references, Mr Riggs' application came with something far more dramatic - proof that he could find the cracks before others did.