January 12, 2026
Right now, millions are embracing Dry January by eliminating alcohol to boost their well-being and productivity, stepping away from the endless cycle of "I'll start Monday."
Your business has a parallel challenge: a list of risky tech habits holding you back.
These aren't cocktails but inefficient or dangerous tech behaviors everyone knows to avoid, yet tolerates under the guise of being too busy.
Until the consequences catch up.
Here are six tech habits you need to quit immediately—and how to replace them for stronger security and efficiency.
Habit #1: Postponing Software Updates by Clicking "Remind Me Later"
This seemingly harmless click has exposed businesses to far greater risks than hackers themselves.
We all dislike disruptions during busy hours, but updates don't just bring new features; they patch critical security flaws actively targeted by cybercriminals.
Delaying updates leads to vulnerabilities that attackers exploit—like the devastating WannaCry ransomware attack that exploited a patch Microsoft had released months prior but users ignored.
Businesses across 150+ countries faced massive losses as operations halted.
Take action: Schedule updates for off-hours or let your IT team manage them quietly in the background. Avoid surprises, prevent security gaps, and keep your business safe.
Habit #2: Reusing a Single Password Across Multiple Services
That one "secure" password you love might be your biggest vulnerability.
While easy to remember and "meets requirements," using it for email, banking, software, and random sites puts you at risk when data breaches occur.
Hackers obtain leaked credentials and use "credential stuffing" to break into your key accounts using stolen passwords.
Your supposedly strong password acts like a universal key in the wrong hands.
Stop it now: Adopt a trusted password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Create one master password and let the tool generate unique, complex passwords for every login. Quick setup leads to lasting protection.
Habit #3: Sharing Passwords Through Texts or Emails
Passing login info via Slack, email, or text seems convenient but leaves credentials exposed indefinitely.
Messages remain archived, searchable, and backed up—any breach of your or your colleagues' inboxes lets attackers harvest these passwords.
It's like mailing a copy of your keys to everyone.
Change your method: Use password managers with secure sharing features so credentials are accessible without revealing passwords. Share responsibly by splitting info across channels and change passwords right after any manual sharing.
Habit #4: Granting Everyone Admin Rights for Convenience
Instead of assigning proper permissions, you've made many team members admins to save time.
This grants full control—installing software, disabling security, deleting files—that can be exploited if their credentials fall into the wrong hands.
Ransomware attacks feast on admin privileges, quickly causing extensive damage.
Fix this: Follow the principle of least privilege, restricting access to only what's needed. A little extra setup effort saves you from catastrophic breaches.
Habit #5: Permitting Temporary Workarounds to Become Permanent
Quick fixes from years ago have morphed into standard practice—slowing productivity and creating fragile systems that collapse when things change.
They rely on specific software versions or person-dependent knowledge long forgotten, risking major operational failures.
Make a plan: List all existing workarounds without trying to fix them yourself. Let experts help you replace them with robust, sustainable solutions that save time and reduce frustration.
Habit #6: Depending on a Single Complex Spreadsheet to Run Your Business
That infamous Excel file with countless tabs and inscrutable formulas is a ticking time bomb.
Few understand it, and if it becomes corrupted or the creator leaves, your business faces major disruption.
Spreadsheets lack audit trails, scale poorly, and often aren't backed up correctly—making them unsuitable as critical business systems.
Upgrade your tools: Document the processes supported by the spreadsheet and seek specialized software (CRM, inventory management, scheduling) designed for reliability, security, and scalability.
Why Breaking These Tech Habits Is Tough
You're not uninformed; you're overwhelmed. Bad habits persist because:
- Risks stay invisible until disaster strikes suddenly, like password reuse that seem harmless until breached.
- Proper practices often feel slower upfront compared to easy shortcuts, masking the true cost of breaches.
- Common risky behaviors become normalized within teams, making dangers seem negligible.
Dry January succeeds by shining light on habits—forcing change through awareness. The same approach applies to your business tech.
How to Break Bad Habits Without Relying on Willpower
Willpower fades, but adjusting your environment drives lasting change.
Successful businesses set systems that make secure, efficient habits the easiest choice:
- Company-wide password managers remove unsafe sharing options.
- Automatic updates eliminate procrastination.
- Centralized permission controls prevent over-sharing of admin rights.
- Real solutions replace fragile workarounds.
- Proper software replaces risky spreadsheets with reliable, backed-up systems.
When the right way is the convenient way, bad habits fade into the background—thanks to a proactive IT partner who transforms your systems instead of just telling you what to do.
Ready to Eliminate the Hidden Tech Habits Draining Your Business?
Schedule a Bad Habit Audit today.
In just 15 minutes, we'll uncover your biggest challenges and provide a clear roadmap to fix them for good.
No pressure, no jargon—just a path to a safer, faster, more profitable 2026.
Click here or give us a call at 888-624-7383 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call.
Some habits deserve to be quit cold turkey.
January is your perfect moment to start.
