January 12, 2026
Right now, millions are embracing Dry January, a commitment to ditch alcohol for better health and productivity.
Similarly, your business has its own version of Dry January—it's time to break free from harmful tech habits that drain efficiency and security.
These habits are well-known pitfalls everyone tolerates because "it's fine" or "we're too busy" — but the risks are real.
Here are six critical tech mistakes to eliminate immediately, with proven alternatives to boost your business health.
Habit #1: Postponing Software Updates by Clicking "Remind Me Later"
That seemingly harmless button is a major security threat to countless small businesses.
While avoiding inconvenient restarts is tempting, software updates not only add features but also fix critical security vulnerabilities exploited by hackers.
Delaying updates from days to weeks means running outdated programs with open doors for cybercriminals. The infamous WannaCry ransomware crippled hundreds of thousands of systems worldwide by exploiting a flaw patched months earlier—only ignored due to repeated "remind me later" clicks.
The aftermath? Billions lost and business at a standstill across 150+ countries.
Action to Take: Schedule updates for low-traffic times or allow your IT team to handle updates silently in the background. This ensures security without interruptions or surprises.
Habit #2: Using One Password Across Multiple Accounts
Many rely on a single "strong" password that meets minimum criteria but is reused everywhere—from email and banking to obscure forums.
Unfortunately, data breaches are common. If any site leaks your credentials, hackers gain instant access to all your other accounts through credential stuffing attacks.
Your "secure" password becomes a master key in the wrong hands.
Action to Take: Invest in a reputable password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. Memorize only one master password; let the tool generate and store intricate, unique passwords for every login. This takes minutes to set up and secures your entire digital life.
Habit #3: Sharing Passwords Over Insecure Channels like Email or Text
Quickly sending login details via Slack, text, or email might solve an immediate problem,
but such messages linger indefinitely—in inboxes, backups, and cloud archives—exposing your credentials to potential breaches.
Any compromised email could give hackers searchable access to your entire treasure trove of shared passwords.
Imagine mailing your house keys on a postcard—that's the risk you take.
Action to Take: Leverage password managers that include secure sharing features. Share access without revealing actual passwords, revoke permissions anytime, and remove traces from email history. If manual sharing is unavoidable, split credentials across different channels and immediately update passwords afterward.
Habit #4: Granting Everyone Admin Rights "To Make Things Easier"
Assigning admin rights to bypass permission hassles is commonplace, but dangerously risky.
Admins can install software, alter security settings, or delete data. If credentials fall into the wrong hands via phishing, attackers gain full control.
Ransomware thrives with admin access—more permissions mean faster, more extensive damage.
Think of it as giving the entire team the keys to the safe because one person needed a stapler.
Action to Take: Adopt the principle of least privilege—assign only the permissions each user truly requires. Though setup takes some time, it's a worthwhile investment compared to costly breaches or accidental data loss.
Habit #5: Letting Temporary Workarounds Become Permanent
A quick fix today can become tomorrow's habit. These stopgap solutions often stay in place for years, despite inefficiencies.
Though they add extra steps and rely on specific people or software versions, they're tolerated because the job still gets done.
However, these workarounds reduce productivity massively and create fragile systems prone to collapse when conditions change.
Action to Take: Create a list of all workaround processes. Don't struggle to fix them alone—instead, partner with experts who can implement lasting, streamlined solutions that save time and frustration.
Habit #6: Relying on a Complex Spreadsheet to Run Your Business
We all recognize that one oversized Excel file laden with multiple tabs, nested formulas, and limited understanding.
It's a single point of failure—if corrupted or if the knowledgeable employee leaves, your business operations risk serious disruption.
Spreadsheets lack scalable audit trails, proper backups, and secure access. They're excellent tools, but poor platforms for critical systems.
Action to Take: Document what your spreadsheet actually accomplishes on a business process level, not just the file's contents. Then transition to dedicated software tailored for each function—be it CRM, inventory, or scheduling—that includes robust backups and permissions.
Why These Tech Habits Resist Change
You already know these practices aren't ideal, but time constraints and invisibility of consequences keep them alive.
- Risks stay hidden until a catastrophic failure occurs, as with password reuse or delayed updates.
- The "proper way" can feel slower upfront compared to quick fixes, masking long-term dangers.
- When an entire team engages in risky behavior, it normalizes the habit and conceals the risk.
Dry January breaks habits by shining a light on behavior—so can your commitment to better tech practices.
Effective Habit Change is About Environment, Not Willpower
Willpower alone rarely sustains change. Instead, redesigning the environment to make good practices effortless is key.
Successful businesses implement systems where:
- Password managers prevent unsafe sharing by default.
- Automatic updates eliminate "remind me later" delays.
- Permission controls restrict admin access effectively.
- Workarounds are supplanted by reliable solutions.
- Spreadsheets are phased out in favor of dedicated, backed-up platforms.
When the right choice is the easiest choice, unhealthy tech habits fall away naturally.
This is the transformative role of a skilled IT partner: not just advising, but restructuring your systems to embed positive behaviors.
Ready to Break Free from Tech Habits Dragging Your Business Down?
Schedule a comprehensive Bad Habit Audit with us.
In just 15 minutes, we'll assess your current challenges and deliver a clear, actionable plan to eliminate these pitfalls for good.
No jargon. No judgment. Just a streamlined, secure, and more profitable 2026 awaits.
Click here or give us a call at 608-416-2400 to book your 10-Minute Discovery Call.
Some habits deserve a firm stop.
There's no better time than January to begin.
