How much do they need to understand? Say "unauthorized access happened, this lab is responsible for it, here are the fines". The state didn't need to understand networking tech to threaten Aaron Schwartz so why do they need to understand here?

Eh... you don't seem to understand the difference between some individual LEO can go after vs a multi billion dollar industry.

Law enforcement gets really careful around big businesses because they know they'll get smacked for every tiny transgression they make. Meanwhile they'll screw with individuals with impunity.