Everyone talks about Dry January for health. But what about your business tech health?
Right now, your firm might be running on some "we'll fix it later" habits that cost you time, security, and serious money. The good news? January is the perfect time to quit these bad habits and replace them with smarter systems.
Habit #1: Ignoring Software Updates
What It Looks Like:
"Remind me later" is costing you more than you think. Delaying updates leaves doors wide open for hackers.
Local Impact:
Remember the WannaCry ransomware scare? Firms across Florida got hit because they skipped critical updates. Don’t let that be you.
What To Do:
Schedule updates for end-of-day or partner with a local MSP (like us!) who automates them in the background.
Habit #2: Reusing the Same Password Everywhere
What It Looks Like:
You use the same login for everything. It works… until it doesn’t.
Local Tip:
Credential stuffing attacks have hit several firms right here in Tampa Bay. One exposed login can unlock your entire digital business.
What To Do:
Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. One master password, total control.
Habit #3: Sharing Passwords Over Text or Email
What It Looks Like:
"Hey, can you text me the login real quick?"
Local Risk:
If one inbox gets hacked, that shared password is fair game. It's how breaches spiral.
What To Do:
Use secure sharing inside your password manager or change the password immediately after sharing.
Habit #4: Making Everyone an Admin
What It Looks Like:
"Just give them full access—it’s easier."
The Danger:
More access means more damage when (not if) something goes wrong.
What To Do:
Give employees the access they need—nothing more. Set it right from the start.
Habit #5: Living With Workarounds
What It Looks Like:
A process that takes 6 steps instead of 2 because "that’s how we’ve always done it."
The Cost:
Time wasted, mistakes made, and knowledge trapped in one person's head.
What To Do:
List out your workarounds. We'll help you eliminate them for good.
Habit #6: Relying on a Giant Spreadsheet That Runs Everything
What It Looks Like:
That one file with 12 tabs that only two people understand.
The Risk:
If it breaks or they leave, you're in trouble.
What To Do:
Identify what that spreadsheet is doing. Then migrate to a tool that does it better and safer.
Change the System, Not the Person
Breaking tech habits doesn’t require more willpower. It requires better systems.
That’s where Reef Cyber Security comes in.
We help professional firms across Tampa Bay upgrade the way they work by putting the right tools and protections in place—so good behavior becomes automatic.
Ready to Break the Habits That Are Hurting Your Business?
📞 Book your free 15-minute Bad Habit Audit with Reef Cyber Security.
We’ll review your current setup, flag the risky stuff, and give you a roadmap to clean it up.
Let’s make 2026 smoother, safer, and way more efficient.
