[NTLUG:Discuss] OT: What constitutes unauthorized access?

[Richard Geoffrion]

If a service is started on a port and is accessible without a password..and
that service is then put on the 'public' internet...is that an open
invitation for public access?

Does someone have to NOTIFY you of their don't access beyond this point
boundery?

How does that 'jive' with the idea of unauthorized access to my mail server
for the expressed purpose of sending spam??  Are spammers trespassing into
MY system by sending unauthorized spam?  Are spammers terrorists??

Where is the fine line between being a responsible net'citizen and accessing
someone's computer in an effort to notify and help them protect their
computing resources -vs- being classified as a trespassser and terrorist?

--
Richard