January 12, 2026
Right now, millions are embracing Dry January by cutting out alcohol to boost their well-being and productivity.
Your business has its own version of Dry January — a list of tech habits just as harmful as cocktails.
These are the risky or inefficient tech practices everyone knows to avoid but keeps using because it's "fine" or "we're too busy."
Until suddenly, it's not.
Here are six damaging tech habits you need to stop immediately — and the smarter alternatives to adopt now.
Habit #1: Delaying Software Updates by Clicking "Remind Me Later"
That tempting button has exposed more small businesses to risk than any cyber attack.
We understand — no one wants unexpected restarts during the workday. But updates aren't just about features; they patch critical security vulnerabilities hackers actively exploit.
Putting updates off for days or weeks leaves your systems exposed to known threats.
Consider the WannaCry ransomware outbreak, which devastated businesses worldwide because victims delayed critical Microsoft patches.
Stop it now: Schedule updates for off-hours or allow your IT team to apply them quietly in the background. This way, security stays tight without disrupting your work.
Habit #2: Using a Single Password for All Accounts
That trusty password that "meets requirements" and is easy to remember might be your biggest security flaw.
Because data breaches happen constantly, and leaked credentials from one site can be used to access your email, banking, and more.
This tactic, called credential stuffing, is behind a large portion of account hacks.
How to fix it: Use a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Remember one master password, and let the app create and store strong, unique passwords everywhere else. Setting it up takes minutes; the security benefits last forever.
Habit #3: Sharing Passwords Insecurely via Email or Messaging
Sharing credentials through Slack, email, or texts might be quick, but those messages are stored and searchable forever — a major security risk.
If anyone's email is compromised, attackers can easily search for and steal shared passwords.
It's like mailing your house keys to strangers.
A better way: Use password managers with secure sharing features. This lets you grant account access without exposing the actual password, and access can be revoked anytime. If manual sharing is unavoidable, split credentials across channels and change passwords immediately after.
Habit #4: Granting Everyone Admin Rights for Convenience
Making users admins because it's easier leads to major vulnerabilities.
Admins can install software, disable security features, and delete files — and if their accounts are compromised, attackers get the same powers.
This widespread practice is a top target for ransomware attacks, which can cause exponential damage.
Change this: Follow the principle of least privilege. Give staff exactly the permissions they need — no more. It's worth spending a bit more time managing access to prevent costly breaches or accidents.
Habit #5: Letting "Temporary Fixes" Become Permanent Routines
A quick workaround that was supposed to be temporary can linger for years, slowing productivity and creating fragile systems dependent on specific people or conditions.
When changes occur — and they will — these band-aid solutions often collapse, causing chaos.
Stop settling: Identify all workarounds your team uses. Don't try to fix them alone; instead, let experts develop lasting solutions that remove frustration and save time.
Habit #6: Relying on a Complex Spreadsheet to Run Critical Business Functions
That tangled Excel file with endless tabs and obscure formulas controlled by a few employees is a ticking time bomb.
If it gets corrupted or the key user leaves, how will your business keep running?
Spreadsheets lack proper back-ups, audit trails, system integration, and scalability — making them unsuitable as main business platforms.
What to do: Document the business processes the spreadsheet supports and switch to dedicated tools — CRM systems for customers, inventory software for stock, scheduling apps for appointments — all with built-in security, backups, and user controls.
Why Breaking These Habits Is So Tough
You know these habits are risky, but you're overwhelmed and busy. That's the real challenge.
- Failures often happen suddenly and catastrophically, making risks seem invisible until disaster strikes.
- Proper tools may seem slower upfront, but save massive time and money by preventing breaches.
- Bad habits become normalized when everyone on the team follows them.
Dry January succeeds because it breaks autopilot and reveals hidden problems — a principle your business tech can leverage too.
How to Quit These Bad Habits for Good
Willpower alone won't change your tech habits; changing your environment will.
Successful businesses implement systems that make safe choices the easy choice:
- Deploy company-wide password managers to eliminate unsafe credential sharing.
- Automate software updates so "remind me later" isn't an option.
- Control permissions centrally to prevent unnecessary admin access.
- Replace fragile fixes with reliable, documented solutions.
- Move critical processes from spreadsheets to dedicated, secure platforms.
When the right habits become the default, your business runs safer, smoother, and smarter.
Ready to break the tech habits quietly draining your business?
Schedule a Bad Habit Audit today.
In just 15 minutes, we'll identify your biggest challenges and provide a clear, actionable plan to fix them for good.
No pressure. No jargon. Just a safer, faster, and more profitable 2026.
Click here or give us a call at (949) 537-2909 to book your 10-Minute Discovery Call.
Because some habits deserve a cold turkey quit — and January is the perfect time to start.
