January 12, 2026
Right now, millions are embracing Dry January, choosing to ditch alcohol for better health and productivity.
Your company faces a similar challenge—not with drinks, but with digital habits that hold you back.
Every business has a "Dry January" list of technology practices that seem harmless but quietly drain efficiency and security.
We all know these routines are risky or inefficient, yet we keep them alive with excuses like "it's fine" or "we're too busy."
Until suddenly, they're not fine at all.
Discover six detrimental tech habits you need to quit immediately—and the smart alternatives that empower your business.
Habit #1: Postponing Software Updates with "Remind Me Later"
This deceptively simple button has caused more damage to small businesses than sophisticated cyberattacks.
We understand the frustration of unscheduled restarts during work hours, but these updates patch critical security holes actively targeted by hackers.
Delaying updates from days to weeks or months means running vulnerable software that cybercriminals can easily exploit.
The infamous WannaCry ransomware devastated businesses worldwide by exploiting a vulnerability patched months earlier—an exploit made possible because users kept clicking "remind me later."
The fallout? Billions lost across 150+ countries as operations ground to a halt.
Take action: Schedule updates for after hours or let your IT team install them silently in the background. No interruptions, no security gaps.
Habit #2: Using One Password Everywhere
That familiar password you use everywhere might feel secure and convenient, but it's a ticking time bomb.
Data breaches happen relentlessly. That obscure forum you signed up for? Its leaked database may have exposed your credentials to hackers.
With this, attackers don't need to guess your banking password—they already have it. They use automated attacks called credential stuffing to access multiple accounts.
Your "strong" password acts like a master key now in the hands of criminals.
Quit the habit: Use a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Just remember one master password, while the tool creates and stores complex, unique passwords for every site. Setup takes minutes; peace of mind lasts forever.
Habit #3: Sharing Passwords via Text or Email
Quickly sharing passwords over Slack, email, or text might seem like a faster solution, but those messages stay around forever—accessible in sent folders, inboxes, and cloud backups.
If anyone's email is ever hacked, attackers can find "password" in messages and harvest your credentials.
It's like mailing your house keys with a note.
Secure sharing is the answer: Password managers offer encrypted sharing that grants access without revealing the password itself and lets you revoke permissions anytime. If you must share manually, split details across separate channels and change passwords right after.
Habit #4: Making Everyone an Admin for Convenience
Sometimes, handing out admin rights seems like a shortcut to get things done, but this drastically raises your security risk.
Admins can install software, disable security features, modify settings, and delete critical files. If a hacker hijacks an admin account, the damage multiplies.
Think of it as giving every employee the keys to the entire business because one person asked for a stapler.
Stick to the Principle of Least Privilege: Grant only the access needed to perform specific tasks—not more. It might take a bit longer upfront, but it shields your company from costly breaches and errors.
Habit #5: Allowing Temporary Fixes to Become Permanent
Temporary workarounds often linger far beyond their welcome, becoming the default process even years later.
These extra steps drain productivity and rely on fragile conditions, software versions, or specific people's memory.
Whenever the system changes, these shortcuts collapse, leaving teams stuck or scrambling.
Break the cycle: Identify your team's workarounds. Don't fix them yourself; instead, let experts help implement reliable, lasting solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce frustration.
Habit #6: Relying on a Single Complex Spreadsheet
That one massive Excel file with endless tabs and cryptic formulas might feel indispensable—but it's a fragile linchpin.
If it crashes or the few who understand it leave, do you have a backup plan?
Spreadsheets lack audit trails, backups, scalability, and integration—they're risky platforms for critical business functions.
Upgrade your approach: Document the processes your spreadsheet supports, then migrate those functions to specialized tools—CRM for customers, inventory management systems, scheduling software—with secure backups and user controls. Spreadsheets are great for data analysis, not core business systems.
Why Breaking These Habits Is Tough
You're well aware these habits are risky; the challenge is time and priorities.
- Risks remain invisible until disaster strikes, making dangers feel distant.
- Proper procedures often seem slower initially, even though they save time and money long term.
- When everyone uses insecure habits, risk becomes normalized and overlooked.
Dry January succeeds by forcing awareness and disrupting autopilot behavior—just like your business needs.
How to Quit Bad Tech Habits Without Relying on Willpower
Willpower alone won't cut it. Transform your business environment to make secure tech habits unavoidable.
- Implement password managers company-wide to eliminate insecure sharing.
- Automate software updates to remove the "remind me later" option.
- Centralize permission controls to prevent unnecessary admin rights.
- Replace fragile workarounds with dependable, documented solutions.
- Migrate critical data from spreadsheets into robust, scalable software.
Make the right choice the easy choice. Trusted IT partnerships take the guesswork out of secure, efficient systems—turning good habits into your everyday default.
Ready to Ditch Tech Habits That Undermine Your Business?
Schedule a Bad Habit Audit with us.
In only 15 minutes, we'll uncover your biggest tech challenges and deliver a clear, actionable plan to solve them for good.
No jargon, no judgment—just a streamlined, secure, and more profitable 2026.
Click here or give us a call at 832-536-9012 to book your Discovery Call.
Some habits deserve a firm break.
There's no better time than January to start fresh.
