  Picture this scenario: You're visiting a friend in Europe, when all of a sudden terrorist kidnap you and scurry you off to their secret lair (most likely in a run-down industrial part of town as Hollywood wishes us to believe all terrorist hide out... why hasn't the FBI caught on to this?
Anyone? ) where they tie you to a small wood chair. It's at this point that scenes from Resvour Dogs start flashing through your head and all you can think is "DAMNIT! I just got this ear pierced while I was in Denmark! " The terrorist start by freaking you out with instruments of torture: a car battery charger with steel wool connected to the terminals, hot iron pokers, maybe some insects of the venomous sort, Barbra Streisand music... all geared to making you break.
But what is it exactly they want? You're just a college student backpacking from hostel to hostel damnit! As the no-neck Neanderthal moves your way fist raised, poised to strike he utters the words you've been waiting for: "You will tell me everything I wish to know... or you will beg for death. " GREAT, thanks Turbo, COULD HAVE SEEN THAT ONE COMING YOU DOLT! What's your freakin' question? Why am I here and not sucking down drinks on the Casa Del Sol? "Ah, straight to the point my American friend.
I desire the information that is most guarded, most protected by you infidels. With this bit of information I can successfully infiltrate your life and be able to answer questions that your own friends will be convinced I am you. ... ... I desire to know... YOUR MOTHER'S MAIDEN NAME!!! " Suddenly a moment of panic, the first real terror you've known since being abducted seizes you and you can feel your innards turning to jelly.
MY GOD!!! You beast, why with that information you could successfully call up my credit card companies and get my account info, you could apply for a new social security card, or login to change the courses I've enrolled in back at Basket-Weaving State U!!! And let's not mention the countless websites I've used my mother's name as either my password or my security question for when I forget my password. YOU HEARTLESS CRUEL BASTARD!!! Now relax kiddies, no reefer toking wankers were harmed during the making of this scenario, but the principle is sound.
What is the most prized possession we American's have when it comes to our identity? It used to be our Social Security number, but I'd wager it's shifted more towards our mother's maiden name than anything else. Hell with some basic dumpster diving and a mother's maiden name you could successfully apply for a new social security number! Think about it for a second: Would you rather someone know your mother's maiden name or your email password?
It's easy to change the email password, but you're gonna have a hard time changing her maiden name. Just something that occurred to me. Peace Always My Friends and remember... Keep safe the knowledge that drives this country... Mom's name before dad got her drunk enough to say "yes"! 
