January 12, 2026
Right now, millions are embracing Dry January, choosing to cut out alcohol to boost their wellbeing and productivity instead of falling into the trap of "I'll start on Monday."
Your company has its own version of Dry January, made up of outdated tech habits that slow you down or expose you to risks.
These habits are obvious pitfalls everyone knows about, yet they persist because "it's fine" and "we're too busy."
But when these habits catch up, the consequences can be serious.
Here are six damaging tech habits to break immediately—plus effective alternatives to replace them.
Habit #1: Constantly Delaying Software Updates
That tempting "Remind Me Later" button is more harmful to small businesses than hackers themselves.
Yes, interruptions are inconvenient. But updates don't just add features—they fix security flaws hackers are actively exploiting.
Putting off updates means vulnerabilities linger, leaving your systems exposed and inviting cyberattacks.
The infamous WannaCry ransomware attack devastated businesses globally by exploiting a vulnerability patched months earlier—patches those businesses ignored.
Costs? Billions lost and operations halted across 150+ countries.
Break the habit: Schedule updates for the end of the workday or allow your IT team to manage them silently in the background—no interruptions, no security risks.
Habit #2: Reusing One Password for Everything
That go-to password feels solid and is easy to remember, so you use it everywhere: email, banking, shopping, old forums.
But breaches happen constantly. When one site leaks your credentials, hackers buy them up and try to access your accounts everywhere.
This tactic—called credential stuffing—is behind a huge number of account hacks, turning your "strong" password into a master key for cybercriminals.
Break the habit: Use a trusted password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Memorize just one master password, and let the app create unique, complex passwords for every account. Setup is quick, and peace of mind is priceless.
Habit #3: Sharing Passwords via Email or Messaging Apps
Sharing credentials over Slack, text, or email is fast—but those messages linger forever, searchable and hackable.
If anyone's account is compromised, attackers can harvest every password ever shared.
It's like mailing your house keys with a note.
Break the habit: Use password managers with secure sharing features that grant access without revealing the password. If you must share manually, split details across channels and immediately change the password afterwards.
Habit #4: Granting Everyone Admin Rights for Convenience
Giving admin access to everyone because it's "easier" is a huge security risk.
Admins can install software, disable security tools, or delete critical files. If compromised, attackers get full control fast.
That's like handing out the keys to the vault because someone needed a stapler once.
Break the habit: Follow the principle of least privilege—everyone should only have the access they strictly need. It takes a bit longer to set up but saves you from massive damage later.
Habit #5: Letting "Temporary" Workarounds Become Permanent
Temporary fixes from years ago can become ingrained processes that waste time and create fragile systems reliant on specific people or software.
Eventually, these workarounds break and nobody remembers how to solve the root problem.
Break the habit: Inventory all workarounds your team relies on. Don't struggle alone—let us help you replace them with durable, efficient solutions that save time and frustration.
Habit #6: Relying on a Single Spreadsheet to Run Your Business
That complex Excel file with multiple tabs and confusing formulas might seem like a lifeline, but it's a hidden risk.
If it gets corrupted or the key person leaves, what's your backup plan?
Spreadsheets lack audit trails, scalability, integrations, and secure backups. They're great tools—but terrible foundations for critical business functions.
Break the habit: Document the processes your spreadsheet supports and migrate them to specialized software—CRM for customers, inventory management, scheduling tools—with robust backups, user controls, and audit logs.
Why Breaking These Bad Tech Habits Is Challenging
It's not a lack of knowledge—you already know these habits are risky. The real obstacle is being busy.
Bad tech habits persist because:
- Consequences are invisible until disaster strikes—password reuse works fine until it doesn't.
- The correct approach feels slower initially—password managers take setup time, while reused passwords are quicker.
- You see everyone else doing the same thing, normalizing poor security practices.
Dry January succeeds by spotlighting habits and breaking autopilot routines, making the unseen risks visible.
How to Successfully Quit Without Relying on Willpower
Willpower alone won't fix stubborn habits. Instead, change the environment to make good tech practices effortless:
- Deploy company-wide password managers so insecure sharing becomes impossible.
- Automate updates to eliminate procrastination triggers.
- Manage permissions centrally to prevent unauthorized admin access.
- Replace workarounds with real system fixes that don't depend on tribal knowledge.
- Move critical data from spreadsheets to secure, auditable software platforms.
When the right choices become the easiest choices, good habits stick and risks fade.
A reliable IT partner won't just tell you what to do—they transform your systems so safe behaviors are your default.
Ready to End the Tech Habits Holding Your Business Back?
Schedule a Bad Habit Audit with us today.
In just 15 minutes, we'll assess your business challenges and provide a clear, actionable roadmap to permanently eliminate tech risks.
No jargon, no judgment—just a safer, faster, more profitable 2026.
Click here or give us a call at 907-865-3100 to book your Discovery Call.
Because some habits deserve to be quit cold turkey—and there's no better time than January.
