Originally posted here by chsh
.... Hacking nowadays is much more likely to be unethical than illegal in many countries, mostly because laws are still playing catch-up.
I agree. I do not think there is a law against hidden cameras as long as there is no audio because currently there are only laws against eavesdropping under certain conditions. Up until recently, most people only utilized CCTV in stores, shopping centers and other misc. areas where they were provided to prevent illegal activites. Now anyone can afford cameras that are very hideable and the laws should be updated to protect the rights of individuals, however, this goes back to your quote.....
As far as hacking a system, I would have to compare such activity to breaking and entering. If a door is wide open, (i.e. a port, or VPN tunnel with no protection) and not locked, and is on public property (i.e. an internet site, not a home PC or Network) then there would be no security devices to disable and no doors to bust open to enter the property. At this point, what more would it be than ulawful entry.. (if there is such a crime).