According to Bruce Schneier, the Google attacks were using the CALEA intercept points which are mandated by US law. There is no possible way that Google could shut down those access points without violating US law.
> In order to comply with government search warrants on user data, Google created a backdoor access system into Gmail accounts. This feature is what the Chinese hackers exploited to gain access.
For some reason I'm strangely reminded of the episode of Big Bang Theory where Sheldon talks on NPR whilst having helium pumped into his room. That would be an authoritative Schneier.
> In order to comply with government search warrants on user data, Google created a backdoor access system into Gmail accounts. This feature is what the Chinese hackers exploited to gain access.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/01/23/schneier.google.hackin...