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Ethical Hacker Who Flagged DFAT Flaw Wins Australia’s 858 National Innovation Visa

DFAT’s recognition of Jacob Riggs’ responsible disclosure underscores the invitation-only visa’s role in attracting elite cybersecurity expertise.

Overview

  • Riggs, 36, was granted full residency and says he plans to relocate to Sydney within the next 12 months to work in cyber defence.
  • During his visa review, he identified a critical vulnerability in a live Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade system and reported it responsibly.
  • He says the assessment took about one hour and fifty minutes from his home in Bexley, London, after testing multiple entry points.
  • DFAT formally acknowledged the finding by adding him to its Vulnerability Disclosure Program honour roll.
  • Introduced in 2024 to replace the Global Talent visa, the invitation-only 858 pathway has a success rate under 1%, with only seven awards from nearly 6,000 expressions of interest by May 2025.