January 12, 2026
Right now, millions have embraced Dry January—cutting out alcohol to boost well-being, productivity, and stop delaying change.
Your business faces its own "Dry January" list—not with drinks, but tech habits that hold you back.
You recognize these risky shortcuts. Everyone uses them because "it's easier" or "we're busy." Yet the cost only appears when it's too late.
Here are six damaging tech habits to break immediately—and smarter alternatives to replace them.
Habit #1: Postponing Software Updates
Hitting "Remind Me Later" on updates has put businesses below cyberattackers' radar more than any hacker.
While interruptions are inconvenient, updates not only add features but seal critical security gaps hackers actively target.
Delay weeks into months, and you're running vulnerable software—inviting attacks like the infamous WannaCry ransomware, which hit millions after users postponed security patches.
The aftermath? Billions lost worldwide as businesses ground to a halt.
Take Control: Automate updates for off-hours or have your IT team deploy them seamlessly in the background—no disruptions, no security compromises.
Habit #2: Reusing a Single Password Everywhere
We all have that go-to password—it fits rules, is memorable, and is used across sites from email to banking.
But data leaks happen daily. That forgotten forum's database was compromised, exposing your credentials now sold cheaply to hackers.
Attackers exploit this by trying stolen passwords on your other accounts—a practice called credential stuffing—jeopardizing your most sensitive information.
Stop the Risk: Adopt a trusted password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Remember one master password while generating strong, unique passwords for every login. Setup takes minutes, protection lasts forever.
Habit #3: Sharing Passwords Through Email or Messaging
Quick fixes like sending login details via Slack or email create permanent, searchable records that expose your entire team to risk if any inbox is compromised.
Think of it as mailing your house key to a stranger.
Secure Sharing: Use password managers with secure sharing features. Recipients get access without ever seeing the password, and you can revoke permissions instantly. If manual sharing is unavoidable, split credentials across channels and change passwords immediately after.
Habit #4: Granting Admin Rights Indiscriminately
Handing out admin privileges because it's simpler leads to half your team having unrestricted power—installing software, disabling security, even deleting critical data.
If credentials are phished, attackers gain full control, escalating damage, especially from ransomware.
Apply Least Privilege: Assign users only the permissions they need. Spending extra minutes now saves you from catastrophic breaches and costly mistakes.
Habit #5: Letting Temporary Workarounds Become Permanent
Temporary fixes that linger cause inefficiencies and dependencies on fragile processes that crumble when systems or staff change.
What saves time today costs you thousands in lost productivity and frustration tomorrow.
Fix for Good: List all workaround hacks your team uses. Don't fix yourself—let experts replace them with solid, sustainable solutions to streamline your workflow.
Habit #6: Relying on Complex Spreadsheets to Run Your Business
That multi-tabbed Excel file filled with cryptic formulas known to only a few is a ticking time bomb.
Without backups, audit trails, or proper maintenance, you risk losing vital business data if the creator leaves or the file corrupts.
Modernize Your Systems: Document the processes that spreadsheet supports, then move to dedicated tools for CRM, inventory, and scheduling. These platforms offer better security, backups, and user management.
Why Breaking These Habits Is Challenging
This isn't due to ignorance, but busyness. Risks remain unseen until disaster strikes, the right actions seem slower, and normalized bad habits seem harmless when everyone follows them.
Dry January works by forcing awareness—making hidden dangers visible.
How to Quit Tech Bad Habits Effectively
Success doesn't come from willpower—it comes from designing your environment to make secure behavior the easiest choice:
- Deploy password managers company-wide to eliminate risky sharing.
- Automate updates to remove "remind me later" procrastination.
- Manage permissions centrally to prevent excessive admin rights.
- Replace workarounds with dependable solutions maintained by experts.
- Migrate critical spreadsheets to dedicated, secure applications.
Good IT partners don't just advise—they transform your systems so the *right* habits are effortless.
Ready to Break Free from Hidden Tech Risks Sabotaging Your Business?
Schedule a comprehensive Bad Habit Audit today.
In just 15 minutes, discover your business's vulnerabilities and receive a clear plan to secure and streamline your operations permanently.
No blame. No tech jargon. Just a safer, faster, more profitable 2026.
Click here or give us a call at (619) 349-5850 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call.
Kick bad tech habits to the curb this January—it's time for a fresh start.
