January 12, 2026
Right now, millions are embracing Dry January, intentionally pausing alcohol to boost their well-being and productivity.
Your business also harbors a Dry January list — but instead of drinks, it's filled with risky tech habits.
These are the shortcuts and inefficiencies everyone recognizes as problematic but tolerates under "we're too busy" or "it's fine".
Until suddenly, it's not.
Discover six dangerous tech habits to ditch immediately—and proven strategies to replace them for smoother, safer business operations.
Habit #1: Postponing Software Updates with "Remind Me Later"
That seemingly harmless button has caused more harm than hackers in many small businesses.
Delaying updates isn't just inconvenient—it leaves your systems exposed to attacks exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities.
"Later" can stretch into months, turning your software into an open invitation for cybercriminals.
Remember the devastating WannaCry ransomware? It targeted a flaw Microsoft patched two months prior—flaws missed because people ignored update prompts.
The result? Billions lost and businesses stalled across 150+ countries.
Take action: Schedule updates during off-hours or have your IT expert automate them in the background—no interruptions, no security gaps.
Habit #2: Using a Single Password Everywhere
That 'easy-to-remember' password you rely on across all accounts is a ticking time bomb.
Data leaks are regular occurrences; once your credentials appear in a breach, hackers use them to break into your most critical accounts.
This credential recycling leads to widespread account compromises, fueling cyberattacks.
Break the cycle: Adopt a reputable password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Store one master password and generate unique credentials for every account—set up now for lasting security.
Habit #3: Sending Passwords via Insecure Channels
Sharing passwords by email, Slack, or text seems quick but leaves a permanent, vulnerable trail.
If any email is compromised, your entire password archive becomes accessible to hackers.
It's like mailing your house keys with your address on the envelope.
Secure your sharing: Use password manager sharing tools that grant access without exposing actual passwords, with options to revoke anytime. If manual sharing is unavoidable, send parts of credentials separately and reset passwords immediately after.
Habit #4: Granting Everyone Admin Rights "For Convenience"
Giving widespread admin privileges because it 'saves time' is a massive security risk.
Admins can make critical system changes or disable protections—and if their accounts are compromised, hackers gain full control.
More admin access means faster, broader damage during attacks like ransomware.
Implement the Principle of Least Privilege: Assign users only the permissions necessary for their tasks. It requires a small effort upfront but protects your entire business from costly mistakes and attacks.
Habit #5: Letting Temporary Workarounds Become Permanent
Temporary fixes that linger inject inefficiency and risk.
They slow operations with extra steps, rely on specific people or outdated systems, and break when change inevitably comes.
Stop the cycle: Compile a list of these workarounds and let experts resolve them permanently—saving you productivity and frustration long term.
Habit #6: Relying on a Complex Spreadsheet to Run Critical Operations
That massive Excel file with tangled formulas and few users who understand it is a hidden vulnerability.
Corruption or loss of knowledge could paralyze your business.
Spreadsheets lack audit trails, scalability, integration, and proper backups—making them poor foundations for essential processes.
Upgrade your system: Document the business functions your spreadsheet supports, then switch to specialized tools like CRMs, inventory systems, or scheduling software that offer security, reliability, and collaboration.
Why Breaking These Habits Is Challenging
You're knowledgeable—these issues aren't news. The challenge is time and visibility.
- Risks stay hidden until disaster strikes.
- Quick fixes feel easier than the thorough solutions.
- Widespread poor habits create a false sense of normalcy.
Dry January works because it disrupts routine and forces awareness—just like your business needs to do.
How to Quit Without Relying on Willpower Alone
Willpower fades, but environmental changes stick.
Successful businesses implement systems that make secure, efficient habits automatic:
- Company-wide password managers remove insecure sharing options.
- Automatic update pushes eliminate delay opportunities.
- Centralized permission controls prevent excessive admin assignments.
- Workarounds are replaced with formal, documented solutions.
- Critical spreadsheets are upgraded to reliable, auditable platforms.
These changes empower your team to adopt the right behaviors effortlessly—turning good practices into the default.
That's the value of an expert IT partner: they don't just advise, they re-engineer your environment to support lasting improvement.
Ready to Eliminate Costly Tech Habits Dragging Your Business Down?
Schedule a Bad Habit Audit today.
In just 15 minutes, we'll uncover your pain points and provide a clear, actionable plan to streamline and secure your operations for good.
No pressure. No jargon. Just a path to a safer, more efficient, and more profitable 2026.
Click here or give us a call at (321) 221-2991 to book your Consult.
Some habits must be stopped cold turkey—and there's no better time to start than January.
