FCC Takes Another Step Toward a Cybersecurity Label for Smart Home Devices

The Federal Communications Commission has taken another step toward making its U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program a reality for connected consumer products.

In a September 28 Public Notice, the FCC recognized two organizations—the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) and the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)—as accreditation bodies for the program. That may sound like an inside-baseball regulatory update, but it helps establish the independent testing and certification framework behind a future cybersecurity label for eligible wireless smart-home products.

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is intended to be a voluntary label for consumer Internet of Things products that meet the program’s cybersecurity requirements. The label is designed to give shoppers a clearer signal that a connected product has been evaluated against a common security baseline.

Why connected cleaning products are worth watching

Robot vacuums are increasingly connected devices. Many use Wi-Fi, companion apps, cloud services, cameras, mapping sensors, and remote software updates. That convenience also makes clear security practices—and timely firmware updates—more important than they were when a vacuum was simply an appliance that plugged into the wall.

This FCC notice does not identify any robot vacuum brands or products. It also does not mean a robot vacuum has received the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, or that shoppers will immediately begin seeing the label on robot vacuum boxes.

Instead, A2LA and ANAB will be able to accredit the organizations that administer the label and the laboratories that perform the product testing. In other words, this is a behind-the-scenes step intended to make the eventual labeling program credible and consistent.

What this does not change

This action is separate from the FCC’s Covered List and Conditional Approval issues involving certain foreign-produced advanced robotic devices. It does not approve, restrict, ban, or otherwise determine whether a specific robot vacuum can be sold in the United States.

It is also voluntary. A product without the Cyber Trust Mark should not automatically be treated as insecure, particularly while the program is still taking shape and manufacturers decide whether to participate.

What Vacuum Wars will watch next

For now, the practical question for robot vacuum shoppers remains whether a brand provides reliable software support, clear privacy information, and prompt firmware updates when security problems are identified.

We will be watching for robot vacuum manufacturers that announce participation in the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program, products that actually earn the label, and clearer information about what the certification means for long-term software support. As more cleaning products connect to our homes and collect data about them, cybersecurity may become a more visible part of what consumers expect from a robot vacuum.

Source: FCC Public Notice DA 26-1029, released September 28, 2026.

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Lisa Tatar

Since joining Vacuum Wars in 2020, Lisa has contributed to in-depth product reviews and educational content focused on vacuum cleaners and floor-care technology. She also plays a key role in website strategy, content optimization, and site management, helping ensure accuracy, clarity, and a high-quality user experience. With a background in communications and hands-on experience as a working parent and pet owner, Lisa brings both professional expertise and real-world perspective to her work.

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