January 12, 2026
Right now, countless individuals are embracing Dry January by giving up alcohol.
But your business faces its own "Dry January"—a list of harmful tech habits that hold you back. You're avoiding these changes simply because "it's easier this way" or "we're too busy."
Everyone knows these practices increase risk and drain efficiency, yet they persist until they cause real damage.
It's time to stop ignoring these habits. Here are six damaging tech behaviors to eliminate immediately and the smarter alternatives to adopt.
Stop Postponing Updates with "Remind Me Later"
Delaying software updates might seem harmless, but it opens your business to cyberattacks. Updates do more than add features—they close security gaps hackers exploit.
Repeatedly clicking "remind me later" leads to running vulnerable systems, just like the devastating WannaCry ransomware incident that paralyzed companies worldwide, costing billions—all due to ignored patches.
Action Step: Schedule updates during off-hours or have your IT team install them seamlessly in the background. Keep your systems secure without disrupting your day.
End the Practice of Using One Password Everywhere
Using the same password across multiple platforms is a recipe for disaster. Data breaches expose login credentials frequently, putting all your accounts at risk through credential stuffing attacks.
Action Step: Adopt a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Remember one strong master password while the tool handles unique, complex passwords for every account, boosting your security with minimal effort.
Stop Sharing Passwords via Email or Messaging Apps
Sharing login details over Slack, text, or email may seem quick, but these messages remain indefinitely accessible. If anyone's email is compromised, all shared passwords become exposed to hackers.
Action Step: Use the secure sharing features within password managers. They allow access without revealing passwords and offer the ability to revoke credentials instantly, eliminating persistent security risks.
Revoke Excessive Admin Rights Granted for Convenience
Granting admin privileges broadly because "it's faster" endangers your systems. Admins can alter security settings, install software, and delete files, magnifying damage if their account is compromised.
Action Step: Enforce the principle of least privilege by giving team members only the access they need. This small effort protects your company from unintended mishaps and targeted cyberattacks.
Replace "Temporary" Fixes That Became Long-Term Problems
Workarounds are often labeled "temporary" but become permanent as time passes, leading to inefficiency, confusion, and fragility when systems inevitably change.
Action Step: Identify these stopgap measures and partner with experts to develop robust, streamlined solutions that remove unnecessary steps and costly confusion.
Move Beyond the Spreadsheet That Controls Your Business
Relying on a complicated spreadsheet with complex formulas and limited user knowledge risks your operations if errors occur or key personnel leave.
Action Step: Map out the business processes your spreadsheet manages, then transition to dedicated tools—like CRM systems, inventory management, and scheduling software—that offer backups, audit trails, and proper access controls.
Why These Tech Habits Persist Despite the Risks
You're informed but overwhelmed. Bad habits last because their consequences are unseen until disaster strikes, the "right" way feels slower upfront, and widespread adoption blurs the perception of risk.
Just like Dry January reveals hidden dependence on alcohol by breaking routine, addressing your tech habits raises awareness and sparks meaningful change.
How to Effectively Break These Habits Without Relying Solely on Willpower
Willpower alone won't fix tech habits—altering your environment does.
- Adopt company-wide password managers to eliminate insecure credential sharing.
- Automate software updates, removing the option to delay.
- Centralize permissions management to control admin rights properly.
- Replace temporary workarounds with durable solutions.
- Migrate critical data from spreadsheets to purpose-built systems with safeguards.
Transforming your tech environment so the safe choice is the easy choice prevents bad habits from returning.
Are You Ready to Break Free from Hidden Tech Habits Holding Your Business Back?
Schedule a Bad Habit Audit with us.
In just 15 minutes, we'll uncover your unique challenges and deliver a clear, jargon-free plan to safeguard your business and boost efficiency in 2026.
Click here or give us a call at 1-310-798-0405 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call.
Because some habits deserve to be kicked cold turkey—and there's no better time than January to start.
