January 12, 2026
Right now, millions are embracing Dry January — boldly giving up alcohol to boost their health, productivity, and stop postponing change.
Your business faces a similar challenge: a 'Dry January' list of risky tech habits holding you back.
You recognize them — inefficient, unsafe patterns kept alive by busy schedules and the illusion that everything's fine.
But those shortcuts carve out hidden vulnerabilities.
Here are six harmful tech habits to cut out immediately, plus smarter alternatives that protect and empower your business.
Habit #1: Postponing Software Updates by Clicking "Remind Me Later"
That tempting button has jeopardized small businesses more than many hackers.
We understand—reboots during workday are disruptive. Yet updates aren't just new features; they seal security gaps actively targeted by cybercriminals.
Delaying for days turns into weeks or months, leaving your systems vulnerable with known exploits in the wild.
The infamous WannaCry ransomware attack devastated companies worldwide by exploiting a patched vulnerability—one neglected due to repeated postponements.
The result? Billions lost across 150+ countries.
Fix it: Schedule updates at day's end or let your IT specialists handle them quietly in the background. No interruptions, no risks, no open doors for attackers.
Habit #2: Using One Password for Everything
Many rely on a 'strong' password that fits criteria and is easy to remember — then use it everywhere: emails, banking, shopping, even old forums.
But data breaches happen constantly. If one source is compromised, hackers acquire your credentials and test them across all platforms.
This attack method, called credential stuffing, causes countless breaches. Your once 'secure' password becomes a master key into your accounts.
Fix it: Adopt a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Remember one master key; let the tool create and save unique, complex passwords everywhere else. Setup is quick, yet peace of mind lasts indefinitely.
Habit #3: Sharing Passwords Over Insecure Channels
Texting or emailing passwords seems quick and harmless. But those messages linger forever—in inboxes, backups, searchable archives.
If any email account is breached, attackers can easily find and exploit shared credentials, exposing your entire team.
It's like mailing your house key on a postcard.
Fix it: Use password manager features for secure credential sharing—recipients gain access without seeing passwords, and access can be revoked anytime. If manual sharing is unavoidable, split information across channels and update passwords immediately after.
Habit #4: Granting Admin Rights to Everyone for Convenience
It's tempting to make users admins for quick installs or changes. But now, half your team holds unrestricted control.
Admins can install software, disable security tools, alter settings, or delete vital data. If compromised, attackers wield the same powers.
Ransomware thrives on elevated privileges—more access means faster, more destructive attacks.
Fix it: Apply the principle of least privilege: assign only the permissions people need. While it takes a little extra effort upfront, it's an investment that prevents costly breaches and accidental data loss.
Habit #5: Letting Temporary Workarounds Become Permanent
Quick fixes can become the norm: "We'll address it later" often means never.
Extra steps and reliance on specific people create fragility. When conditions change, these patched solutions collapse and leave teams stranded.
Fix it: Document all workarounds and partner with IT experts to develop permanent, streamlined solutions that boost productivity and remove dependencies on tribal knowledge.
Habit #6: Relying on a Complex Spreadsheet to Run Your Business
That overloaded Excel file with multiple tabs and complex formulas is a ticking time bomb.
What if it corrupts? Or the sole person who understands it leaves? It's a single point of failure dressed up as a solution.
Spreadsheets lack audit trails, don't scale well, have limited backup, and depend heavily on one person's knowledge.
Fix it: Outline the processes your spreadsheet supports and migrate to dedicated tools like CRM systems, inventory software, or scheduling platforms. These solutions include backup, audit logs, permission controls, and scalability, decreasing risks and increasing efficiency.
Why It's Tough to Break These Habits
You're not uninformed—you're overwhelmed. Busy schedules make it easier to stick to familiar patterns, even if they're risky.
These habits persist because:
- Risks remain hidden until disaster strikes suddenly.
- Optimal solutions seem slower upfront compared to quick fixes.
- Widespread acceptance makes problems feel invisible.
Dry January succeeds by disrupting autopilot and bringing hidden issues into the light.
How to Break Habits Without Relying on Willpower
Willpower alone doesn't drive lasting change—environment does.
Successful businesses shape their environment to make secure choices effortless:
- Company-wide password managers eliminate insecure sharing.
- Automatic updates remove procrastination.
- Centralized permissions keep admin rights tightly controlled.
- Proper solutions replace fragile workarounds.
- Critical processes move from spreadsheets to reliable platforms.
The secure path becomes the easiest path.
This is the difference a skilled IT partner makes—transforming your systems so good habits are the default, not the exception.
Ready to Eliminate Tech Habits That Hurt Your Business?
Schedule a Bad Habit Audit today.
In just 15 minutes, we'll uncover your biggest tech pitfalls and deliver a clear plan to resolve them once and for all.
No pressure, no jargon—just a safer, faster, and more profitable 2026 awaits.
Click here or give us a call at 858-202-0304 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call.
Some habits deserve a cold turkey decision—let's make January your business's fresh start.
