Authenticity matters. Cheap "Amazon special" USB cables often lack the shielding required for fire alarm panels, leading to corrupt database downloads (which can brick the panel).
In high-EMI environments (power plants, manufacturing floors), a copper USB or Serial link will fail due to electrical noise. Professionals use industrial USB-to-Fiber converters at the panel and another back to the laptop. This creates a lightning-proof, noise-proof programmer link over distances up to 2km. simplex es panel programmer link