January 12, 2026
Right now, millions are embracing Dry January, choosing to ditch what doesn't serve their well-being.
They're rejecting unhealthy habits to boost energy, enhance productivity, and finally stop deferring change with "I'll start Monday."
Your business faces its own version of Dry January—an elimination of harmful tech habits instead of drinks.
These are the inefficiencies and risks holding your company back.
You recognize these dangerous patterns. Everyone does, yet they persist under the guise of "it's manageable" and "we're swamped."
Until one day, they're no longer manageable.
Discover six critical tech habits to cut out immediately—and learn smarter alternatives.
Habit #1: Postponing Software Updates with "Remind Me Later"
This deceptively simple button poses a greater threat to small businesses than many cyberattacks.
While it's inconvenient to reboot during work, updates do more than add features—they patch security gaps hackers exploit.
Delaying updates by weeks or months leaves your systems vulnerable, handing cybercriminals the keys.
For instance, the global disruption from the WannaCry ransomware stemmed from ignored patches Microsoft released months before.
Businesses in over 150 countries faced massive losses because of repeatedly clicked "remind me later" prompts.
Take action now: Schedule updates for off-hours or have your IT team deploy them silently in the background—zero interruptions, zero security gaps.
Habit #2: Using a Single Password Across Multiple Accounts
It's tempting to rely on one familiar password that "feels strong" and is easy to recall for every login—from email and banking to forgotten forums.
But data breaches are rampant. A leaked forum database means a hacker already owns your login info.
They don't need to crack your banking password—they already have it and will test it across platforms.
This practice, known as credential stuffing, accounts for many compromised accounts. Your strong password is effectively a master key someone else possesses.
Change the game: Adopt a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Memorize one master password, while the tool crafts unique, complex passwords for every site. Setup is quick; the peace of mind lasts forever.
Habit #3: Sharing Passwords Over Insecure Channels
Exchanging login details via Slack, email, or text seems convenient—but those messages are immortal.
They linger in inboxes, backups, and cloud archives. A single compromised email account grants attackers easy access to all shared passwords.
Think of it like mailing your house keys on a postcard.
Secure your sharing: Use password managers' secure sharing features—grant access without ever revealing the actual password, with permissions that can be revoked. If manual sharing is unavoidable, split credentials across channels and change the password right after.
Habit #4: Granting Admin Rights Liberally for Convenience
Handing out admin privileges because it's "quicker" to fix a single issue backfires fast.
Half your team now possesses admin powers, able to install software, disable security, or delete key files.
If a hacker hijacks one account, they inherit all those dangerous capabilities.
Ransomware thrives on admin access—more privileges mean quicker, more devastating impact.
Implement the principle of least privilege: Give team members exactly the access they need—nothing more. It takes minutes to set up but saves your business from costly breaches and accidents.
Habit #5: Permanent Use of Temporary Fixes
A quick workaround that was supposed to be temporary has become the norm since 2019.
It adds extra steps and relies on specific people remembering tricks. When changes inevitably occur, the fragile system collapses, and the real fix gets forgotten.
This hidden drain costs immense productivity.
Take control: List all workarounds your team employs. Don't fix them yourself—trust experts to implement lasting solutions that eliminate frustration and save time.
Habit #6: Relying on a Massive Spreadsheet to Run Your Business
You know the infamous Excel file: complex with countless tabs and formulas only a few understand—and the creator has left.
If it corrupts or the knowledgeable person departs, your business faces a critical risk.
Spreadsheets lack audit trails, don't scale, and aren't backed up reliably—they're digital duct tape, not a robust system.
Upgrade your tools: Document what the spreadsheet supports, then replace it with specialized solutions like CRM, inventory management, or scheduling software—with backups, user controls, and audit logs.
Why These Critical Habits Persist
You're not unaware of the risks—you're simply overwhelmed.
These bad tech habits linger because:
- Consequences stay hidden until a crisis strikes—reused passwords work perfectly until they don't.
- The "right" method seems slower initially; setting up password managers is a time investment, but worth every second when weighed against breach costs.
- Widespread poor practices normalize risk; if everyone shares passwords insecurely, it feels safe.
Dry January works precisely because it forces awareness, breaking autopilot and making invisible dangers visible.
How to Break These Patterns for Good
Change doesn't rely on willpower—it hinges on environment.
Businesses truly overcoming these bad habits do so by reshaping their tech environment to make secure, efficient behavior effortless:
- Deploy company-wide password managers to eliminate insecure credential sharing.
- Automate software updates to remove procrastination temptations.
- Centralize permission management to prevent over-granting admin access.
- Replace fragile workarounds with scalable, documented solutions.
- Migrate critical spreadsheets to purpose-built platforms ensuring backups and auditability.
When the right choice becomes effortless, bad habits fade away.
That's the power of a strategic IT partner: they don't just advise—they transform your systems so secure, efficient behavior happens by default.
Ready to Transform and Protect Your Business?
Schedule a complimentary Bad Habit Audit.
In just 15 minutes, we'll dive into your business challenges and provide a clear, actionable roadmap to resolve them for good.
No pressure. No tech jargon. Just a safer, more efficient, and more profitable 2026.
Because some habits deserve quitting cold turkey—January is the perfect time to start.
