January 12, 2026
Right now, millions are embracing Dry January — taking a deliberate pause from alcohol to boost their well-being, productivity, and break the endless cycle of "I'll start Monday."
Your business has its own "Dry January" list — but instead of cocktails, it's filled with technology habits that hinder growth and security.
These are the risky tech routines everyone knows are inefficient but continues anyway, often excusing with "it's fine" or "we're busy."
Until suddenly, it's not fine.
Here are six damaging tech habits you must stop immediately, plus smarter alternatives to implement today.
Habit #1: Ignoring Software Updates by Clicking "Remind Me Later"
That tempting button has caused more harm to small businesses than any cyberattack.
We understand—no one wants their workflow interrupted by a sudden reboot. But these updates often close security gaps hackers actively exploit.
Delaying once turns to weeks, then months, leaving your software vulnerable to attacks like WannaCry, which exploited a flaw patched months earlier. Businesses in over 150 countries lost billions because they delayed updates.
Break the cycle: Schedule updates for off-hours or let your IT support push them seamlessly in the background—no interruptions, no security risks.
Habit #2: Using One Password Across All Accounts
You have a go-to password—it fits the criteria, feels strong, and is easy to recall. You use it everywhere, from email to banking to online shopping.
Here's the danger: Data breaches are rampant, and leaked databases turn your password into a copy sold on the dark web. Hackers don't need to guess; they try your credential on other platforms, unlocking your sensitive accounts.
This technique, credential stuffing, is behind a massive portion of security breaches. Your "strong" password is effectively a master key shared unknowingly with attackers.
Fix it now: Employ a trusted password manager—LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden—that securely generates and stores unique complex passwords. You'll only remember one master password, and protection increases exponentially.
Habit #3: Sharing Passwords via Email, Text, or Chat
Sharing login credentials over Slack, email, or texts might seem convenient—"Here's the username and password"—but those messages linger indefinitely in inboxes, backups, and archives.
If any account is compromised, attackers can search for "password" to extract all shared credentials, exposing your business to severe breaches.
Think of it as mailing your house keys openly for anyone to find.
Quit this practice: Use the secure sharing features built into password managers—recipients access accounts without seeing passwords, and access can be revoked anytime. If manual sharing is unavoidable, split credentials across channels and reset passwords immediately afterward.
Habit #4: Granting Everyone Administrator Access for Convenience
When someone needs to install software or change a setting, granting full admin rights may seem faster than adjusting permissions properly.
Now, half your team may possess admin privileges, enabling them to install software, disable security, or delete critical files. If their account is compromised, hackers inherit full control.
Ransomware attacks thrive on excessive admin access, accelerating damage.
Stop this risk: Apply the principle of least privilege—only give each user the minimum access necessary. The extra setup time is insignificant compared to preventing costly breaches or accidental data loss.
Habit #5: Letting "Temporary" Fixes Become Permanent Workarounds
When something breaks, quick workarounds are often created with plans to fix later. Yet years go by, and these stopgap solutions become the norm.
Although they work, these workarounds waste time, require extra steps, and depend heavily on specific people or outdated software versions. When conditions change—which they always do—the entire process fails catastrophically without a clear fix.
Take action: Compile a list of all workarounds your team uses. Instead of tackling fixes alone, partner with experts to replace these fragile processes with reliable, streamlined solutions that save time and frustration.
Habit #6: Relying on a Complex Spreadsheet to Run Your Business
Everyone knows the infamous Excel file with endless tabs and convoluted formulas only a handful understand—often created by someone no longer with the company.
If that file gets corrupted or the expert leaves, your business operations could grind to a halt. This spreadsheet is a critical single point of failure disguised as a solution.
Spreadsheets lack robust audit trails, scale poorly, and rarely integrate or back up properly. They're digital duct tape, not a sustainable platform.
Make a change: Document the business processes supported by the spreadsheet, then transition to dedicated software designed for those needs—CRM for customer management, inventory tools for stock, or scheduling apps. These platforms offer backups, permissions, audit logs, and remove reliance on individual know-how.
Why Breaking These Tech Habits Feels So Challenging
You already realize many of these habits carry risks—you're not uninformed, just overwhelmed.
Bad habits persist because:
- Risks remain hidden until a catastrophic event unfolds, like a security breach that reveals reused passwords are a gaping hole.
- The proper approach initially seems more time-consuming—setting up password managers or managing permissions feels like a hassle versus quick fixes, until you factor in breach damage.
- These habits feel normal when everyone on your team does the same, masking the danger by making bad practices routine.
This is why Dry January succeeds: It disrupts autopilot and forces conscious change.
How to Break Bad Tech Habits Without Relying on Willpower Alone
Willpower can't sustain change—adjusting your environment does.
Successful businesses create systems where good practices are the default option:
- Company-wide deployment of password managers eliminates insecure credential sharing.
- Automatic software updates remove the temptation to delay critical patches.
- Centralized permission management ensures admin rights are tightly controlled.
- Proper solutions replace fragile workarounds, ending reliance on tribal knowledge.
- Key business processes move from complex spreadsheets to professional software with backups and audits.
When the right actions become easy and bad habits inconvenient, your business thrives securely and efficiently.
This transformation is exactly what a strong IT partner delivers—not lectures, but systems that make secure, smart habits effortless.
Ready to Break Free From Hidden Tech Habits Holding Your Business Back?
Schedule your Bad Habit Audit today.
In just 15 minutes, we'll explore your unique challenges and provide a clear roadmap to eliminate these damaging habits permanently.
No pressure, no jargon—just a streamlined, secure, and more profitable 2026.
Click here or give us a call at 973-439-0306 to book your 10-Minute Discovery Call.
Because some habits deserve to end now. And there's no better time than January to start.
