For many small and midsize businesses, a hacked computer or password can result in the loss of lots of money and efficiency. Which is why IT Business Edge contributor Paul Mah advocates that SMBs follow some simple guidelines related to creating secure passwords.

One of the suggestions is to have a password that consists of 12 characters. Security consultant David Campbell calculated the monetary cost of cracking passwords of varying length. Campbell says using a 12-character password will cost a hacker approximately $1.5 million, a dollar amount that will scare off most criminals.

Some of Mah's other tips include:

• Never write down your passwords.
• Do not use the same passwords for your personal and work accounts.
• Never give your passwords to anyone.

For more information about creating and protecting your passwords, take a look at the following documents that appear in the Knowledge Network:

• Protecting Your Passwords
• Enterprise Password Management Guide
• Sample Password Policy