the time it takes to log on to Facebook and update a status. As soon as the FBI would give Lunsford the predator’s chat handle, he’d hack into America Online and, minutes later, give agents the predator’s name and address. It wasn’t exactly legal, but then again, it was the FBI — so it wasn’t exactly illegal. Today, Lunsford takes assignments directly from his employer, IBM. Many involve social engineering — a con game in which hackers trick innocent bystanders into breaking normal security procedures — like a job he had in December in California. First, he stakes out the company. Blending into a client’s corporate culture is part of the con. Next, he finds a way to enter the building after hours. No problem. “I go when people are leaving and the cleaning staff is coming in,” says Lunsford. “If you look like you’re supposed to be there and act like you’re supposed to be there, the cleaning staff will not challenge you at all. And that has worked for me 100 percent of the time.” Last, Lunsford slips into an unoccupied cubicle, hops onto a computer, and connects it to his hacking computer in Atlanta. Then, he can remotely access the company’s system anytime, anywhere. His work within the facility is done. It’s time to start hacking. Like guitar legend Hendrix, who was demure in person but animalistic on stage, Lunsford is a bit of a paradox. He works best when he’s high on mania, but without medication, he sinks into bipolar lows, too. “Depression for me is listlessness,” he says. “I hardly ever get sad, just bored.” He hacks computers — legally. He consumes wild boar and venison to eat healthier, but guzzles sugary drinks like a frat boy chugs beer. He attends Central Baptist with his wife and three kids, yet calls himself a Rastafarian and a Transcendental Anarchist on Facebook. And he makes a living using sophisticated technology, but criticises modernization. “Instead of relying on nature and living in harmony with all of this, we cut down forests and put concrete up,” Lunsford says. “What we really need is clean air, water, food, physical exercise — these things have been there for us all along, and in our chase to industrialize, it’s become my opinion in recent years that we’ve gone in the wrong direction.” He hopes to leave it all behind someday, when his kids are grown and can fend for themselves. “I plan on taking my wife and going off the grid,” he says. “I’m not really trying to escape society, but escape what I see is a very fragile system that’s based on unsustainable things like oil and the power grid.” Until then, Lunsford, fueled by Red Bulls and mania, will continue to hack. “I would do this whether I was being paid or not,” he says. “I feel like a rock star, you know. This is fun.” NCM
Thomas Eye Group Welcomes Dr. Paul Patel
Paul Patel, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist Cataract Surgery Schedule your appointment now!
When it comes to your eyes, why choose anything less than the most experienced ophthalmologists? At Thomas Eye Group, we adhere to the very highest standards while also taking the time to listen to your needs and fully explain your options.
Royce Hall, M.D.
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Jessica McCluskey, M.D.
Board Certified Ophthalmologist Retina and Vitreous Surgery
Paul Patel, M.D.
Board Certified Ophthalmologist Cataract Surgery
Vidya Phoenix, M.D.
Board Certified Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Newnan 2700 Hwy. 34 East, Bldg. 100 Newnan, Georgia 30265
678.423.7700
www.thomaseyegroup.com MARCH /APRIL 2014
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