Ah, the law of unintended consequences and poorly trained law enforcement.

Article in The Register mentions a computer security expert doing his job, only to get arrested because of someone's inane interpretation of Georgia law.  With several bills in the hopper looking at either updating or patching Georgia's computer crime statutes, this case certainly is deserving of study.

Further research shows the case occurred in the year 2000.  A synopsis of the federal civil case between the two contractors can be found here. [By the way, The Register mis-spells Moulton's name).  A paper on port scanning and its legal implications gives more information.

I am surprised the case arises in my old home town.  Seems the Canton police department hired out the server management for its 911 data (and possibly others).  The fact that ports allowing access to systems such as 911 were insecure should be grounds for criminal prosecution -- perhaps that is a law that should be passed.

9:36:40 AM