🟡 Medium | Source: The Hacker News
The FCC has added foreign-manufactured mobile robots and networked power inverters to its Covered List, effectively blocking new models from being imported, marketed, or sold in the US due to national security and cyber risk concerns. Existing authorisations and devices already in use are unaffected, but federal procurement is likely restricted. The move reflects growing regulatory concern about hardware supply chain threats embedded in critical infrastructure and operational technology.
Security Architect’s Take: Review your organisation’s OT and physical security asset inventory for foreign-manufactured robots and networked power inverters — particularly those integrated with cloud management platforms or industrial control systems — and assess whether they introduce untrusted network pathways or data exfiltration risks. If your environment relies on these device categories, begin evaluating approved alternatives and factor FCC Covered List status into future procurement criteria.
Original advisory: FCC Blocks New Foreign-Produced Robots and Power Inverters Over Cyber Risks