2026 Compliance Risks to Watch

What Organizations Can’t Afford to Overlook

As we move into 2026, compliance isn’t just about checking a box, it’s about protecting people, operations, and continuity. Across healthcare, senior living, financial institutions, manufacturing, and public safety, organizations are facing increased scrutiny around communication reliability, security systems, data retention, and emergency preparedness.

At DSC Communications, we work closely with organizations throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, and one thing is clear: many compliance failures don’t come from lack of effort, they come from aging infrastructure, disconnected systems, and outdated assumptions.

Here are the key compliance risks to watch in 2026 and how to stay ahead of them.

1. Aging Communications Equipment

Two-way radios, dispatch systems, repeaters, and in-building coverage solutions are often expected to last forever. In reality, outdated Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems introduce compliance and safety risks:

• Unsupported or end-of-life equipment
• Inconsistent coverage in critical areas
• Inability to meet emergency communication requirements
• Limited interoperability with newer systems

Risk: Equipment failures during emergencies can lead to safety violations, operational downtime, and regulatory exposure.

What to Watch in 2026:
Lifecycle documentation, coverage testing, and manufacturer support status.

2. Emergency Communications & Incident Response Gaps

Regulators increasingly expect organizations to prove they can communicate during emergencies, not just claim they can. Common risk areas include:

• No documented emergency communication plan
• Reliance on cellular-only communications
• Lack of staff training or drills
• No redundancy for power or infrastructure failures

Risk: During audits or post-incident reviews, gaps in communication planning can quickly become compliance violations.

What to Watch in 2026:
Redundancy, battery backup, failover planning, and documented testing.

3. Video Security & Data Retention Policies

Video security systems are under growing scrutiny, especially in healthcare, senior living, and financial institutions.

Key compliance risks include:

• Undefined or inconsistent video retention policies
• Poor camera placement that creates blind spots
• Systems that don’t meet chain-of-custody requirements
• Limited access controls for recorded footage

Risk: Improper handling of video evidence can expose organizations to legal, regulatory, and reputational damage.

What to Watch in 2026:
Retention standards, access logs, encryption, and system health monitoring.

4. Access Control & Credential Management

Lost badges, shared credentials, and outdated access permissions are more than security issues, they’re compliance risks. Organizations often struggle with:

• No formal access review process
• Former employees retaining access
• Limited audit trails
• Manual or paper-based credential tracking

Risk: Unauthorized access incidents can trigger compliance findings and insurance complications.

What to Watch in 2026:
Role-based access, automated reporting, and regular access audits.

5. Siloed Systems That Don’t Work Together

One of the most overlooked compliance risks is disconnected technology.

When radios, video security, access control, and monitoring systems operate independently:

• Incidents are harder to document
• Response times increase
• Accountability becomes unclear

Risk: During investigations or audits, fragmented systems make it difficult to demonstrate compliance and proper response.

What to Watch in 2026:
Integrated systems and centralized management.

6. Training & Documentation Gaps

Technology alone doesn’t equal compliance. Common pitfalls include:

• No documented training records
• Infrequent system testing
• Reliance on institutional knowledge
• No clear ownership of compliance responsibilities

Risk: During audits, “we’ve always done it this way” isn’t defensible.

What to Watch in 2026:
Training logs, system documentation, and vendor-supported compliance planning.

Staying Ahead of 2026 Compliance Risks

Compliance is no longer reactive, it’s strategic. At DSC Communications, we help organizations:

• Assess the age and condition of critical systems
• Identify compliance gaps across communications and security
• Design integrated, reliable solutions
• Maintain systems through proactive service and monitoring

The goal isn’t just to pass an audit, it’s to ensure your systems work when they matter most.

Let’s Talk Compliance

If you’re unsure whether your communications or security systems are ready for 2026, a risk and compliance assessment is a smart place to start.

📞 Contact DSC Communications to schedule a consultation and ensure your organization stays compliant, connected, and protected.