January 12, 2026
Right now, millions are embracing Dry January, opting to ditch alcohol to boost their wellbeing and performance instead of postponing change with "I'll start Monday."
Your business has its own version of Dry January—a list of tech habits holding you back.
But instead of cocktails, these are risky tech practices you tolerate because "it's easier" or "we're too busy."
We all know these habits are inefficient and potentially dangerous — yet we cling to them until problems arise.
Here are six harmful tech habits to eliminate immediately, with practical alternatives to replace them.
1. Postponing Software Updates by Clicking "Remind Me Later"
That tempting button is more damaging to small businesses than any hacker attack.
Updates can't wait because often they include critical security patches protecting you from known exploits.
Delaying updates for weeks or months leaves your systems vulnerable—criminals exploit these gaps rapidly.
The infamous WannaCry ransomware crippled businesses globally by leveraging a vulnerability Microsoft had patched months earlier, yet victims kept hitting "remind me later."
The fallout? Billions lost across 150+ countries as operations halted.
Action Step: Schedule updates for end-of-day or let your IT team apply them seamlessly in the background—avoid interruptions and security risks.
2. Using a Single Password Everywhere
We all have that one familiar password—"strong enough" and easy to remember—that's used across multiple accounts from email to bank to random forums.
Beware: Data breaches expose these passwords, which hackers buy cheaply to access your other important accounts through credential stuffing.
Your seemingly secure password becomes a master key in the wrong hands.
Action Step: Adopt a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Remember one master password, and let it generate unique, complex passwords for every site. Setup is quick; peace of mind lasts forever.
3. Sharing Passwords Via Text, Email, or Messaging Apps
Sharing login credentials via Slack, email, or text may be fast but creates permanent, searchable, and easily accessible records that hackers exploit once they compromise even one account.
It's like mailing your house key to anyone—from your inbox to the cloud, the risk is enormous.
Action Step: Use password managers' secure sharing features that grant access without revealing the actual password. If manual sharing is unavoidable, split credentials across channels and change passwords right after.
4. Granting Admin Rights Indiscriminately for Convenience
Giving everyone admin privileges because it's simpler sets you up for disaster. Admin rights allow software installs, setting changes, security disabling, and file deletions.
If credentials get stolen, attackers gain full control, increasing ransomware damage exponentially.
Action Step: Implement the principle of least privilege. Only assign access needed for specific tasks—it might take a bit longer initially but saves you from costly breaches and mistakes.
5. Letting "Temporary" Workarounds Become Permanent Processes
Short-term fixes from years ago often turn into ingrained workflows. They add unnecessary complexity and depend entirely on specific people or conditions.
This creates fragility—when something inevitably changes, the whole process breaks down, leaving you stuck.
Action Step: Compile a list of these workarounds. Don't DIY the fixes—partner with experts who can replace them with streamlined, reliable solutions to boost productivity and reduce frustration.
6. Relying on a Single Complex Spreadsheet for Critical Business Functions
One sprawling Excel file with cryptic formulas handled by only a few people is a ticking time bomb.
If corrupted or if key personnel leave, the whole operation can collapse with no backups or clear understanding.
Action Step: Document the business processes your spreadsheet supports and migrate to specialized tools such as CRM, inventory, or scheduling software. These platforms offer backups, audit trails, and permission controls—making your business more resilient.
Why These Habits Persist Despite Awareness
You already know these habits are risky, but being busy often leads us to ignore the consequences until disaster strikes.
- Risks seem invisible until a catastrophic failure occurs.
- The secure approach feels slower now but prevents massive future costs.
- When everyone down the hall follows the same bad practice, it feels normal and safe.
Just like Dry January helps people break autopilot habits by making actions conscious, your business needs awareness plus systemic change.
How to Successfully Break Tech Habits Without Relying on Willpower
Discipline alone can't replace deeply ingrained routines—changing your environment does.
The most successful businesses eliminate friction by:
- Deploying password managers company-wide to prevent unsafe credential sharing.
- Automating software updates so "Remind Me Later" is gone.
- Centralizing access permissions to avoid casual admin rights.
- Replacing workarounds with proven, documented solutions.
- Transitioning critical spreadsheets to robust, auditable software platforms.
This makes secure and efficient habits the default and the easy choice—reversing your business's tech risks.
An expert IT partner doesn't just tell you what to avoid—they implement changes that make good practices effortless.
Ready to Ditch the Tech Habits Holding Your Business Back?
Schedule a Bad Habit Audit today.
In just 15 minutes, we'll understand your challenges and provide a clear roadmap to eliminate costly issues for good.
No jargon, no judgment—just a strategy for a safer, faster, and more profitable 2026.
Click here or give us a call at 833-863-2120 to book your Consult.
Some habits are worth quitting cold turkey—and January is the perfect moment to start.
