Does Cox Modem/Router Need Password Change

We recently moved to a small retirement community that advertised "Free WiFi". When I inquired about establishing a UserName/Password, I was informed that everyone used "WelcomeHome". So I knew I had to look further.
Cox is the cable provider. I was able to get my own internet access in my apartment using a Cox Modem/Router. I have always assumed that one should change the password from the device default to something unique. However, the network name and password are pre-printed on the bottom of the device.
Can I safely continue to use that password or do I need to take some additional security measures?

 

Mpst times it is Admin and Admin. You can change it. It can be defaulted back to Admin and Admin by pushing a little button with a paper clip or something small like that

 

Are you sure "WelcomeHome" is what they meant for "Username/Password"? Note username and password are two different things.

Note too when it comes to "wifi" access (where your computer connects to a local wireless network) there are 2 parts of the credentials, and neither is a password.

Part 1 is the "SSID" (service set identifier). This is simply the name of the wireless internet network you want to connect your computer to. There is nothing secret about the SSID. In fact, wireless routers typically broadcast that name so folks (and their computers and other devices) can easily see it and recognize it. It is how every networks announces, "here I am!" It would be normal for everyone in that same retirement community to use the same SSID.

The SSID should not be confused with username. The SSID is the name of the wireless network. The username is the name YOU use to access your computer.

Then there is the passphrase. This should be kept secret and only provided to authorized users of that network. Without the passphrase someone could still easily see your wifi network (via the broadcasted SSID) but they could not connect to it without the passphrase.

The passphrase should not be confused with your password. They are different. The password is what allows you, along with YOUR username, to access/login to YOUR computer.

In your scenario, it sounds like you do not want to use the free wifi provided by your retirement community. Frankly, if me, I would not either.

And your assumption that one should change the default password for that device is spot on! It is printed on the bottom so users can easily access the router's admin menu to set up their networks during initial installation. You definitely should change the password once setup. You could "probably" safely continue to use the default AS LONG AS no one could gain "physical" access to it without your consent (like a visiting nosy, whiz-kid nephew). Just remember to remember the new password. And do NOT write it down on a sticky note stuck to the bottom of the router.

IF that router lets you change the Admin username, you could change that too, but that is much less important than the password.

You should also immediately change the wifi passphrase too from the default so your neighbors cannot access the Internet through your router/account, hog your bandwidth, or conduct illegal activities under your account! Again, don't write it on a sticky and, like passwords, should be a strong passphrase.

You can also change your SSID. I recommend something other than "Robert's Wifi" or anything anyone nearby could easily recognize as you. So not your dog's name either. Since anyone can see the SSID, no need to tell everyone it is your wifi network.

Note that you might hear folks recommend disabling the broadcast of the SSID for security reasons. Not true. Any wannabe badguy can easily install "sniffer" software on their laptops and still see nearby wireless networks. It would be like taking the address numbers off your front door. It would not take a brain surgeon to figure out your address. Plus, many wireless devices, like tablets or other "smart" devices need to see the SSID to connect.

Last, connecting to your router via cable (Ethernet) is by far the most secure because there is no wireless involved. So "IF" you don't need wireless in your home, and can connect with Ethernet safely (no chance of tripping over wires), then you can simply disable wifi in your router and not worry at all about SSIDs or passphrases.

Clear as mud, huh?

If I raised more questions - no surprises if I did - don't hesitate to ask. But to quickly summarize, yes you can AND SHOULD change your router's default Admin password (to keep unauthorized users out of your modem/router) and also your router's wifi passphrase to keep unauthorized users out of your network.

 

Bill, Lots of good information here. The bottom of the Modem/Router has the SSID printed. It gives a term like "EstablishC649B". The other printed information says "Password" - not Passphrase - and has a 15 character string of alpha and numeric. Would that be what you call the Passphrase?
I had thought of using Ethernet instead of the wireless but have 2 computers on opposite sides of the room and a WiFi radio I use in other rooms.
We're still unpacking boxes and sorting stuff so I am kind of slow on the uptake right now.

 

Maybe. Sadly, industry standards for such nomenclature does not exist. That is, there are common practices but not mandatory requirements. So not all manufacturers and service providers comply.

The line has become blurry in recent years too as users have been encouraged to use very strong passwords. As such, phrases are often used since a password like, "Jane had @ l1ttle gOat" is easier to remember but harder to crack than "&^keHG3b".

That said, typically, when it comes to routers and wifi access, passwords and passphrases are different.

Passwords essentially grant users access to accounts, like your bank account, your user account here at WindowsBBS, and the modem/router's Admin account.

The Admin username and password is needed to access the devices Admin menu.

Passphrases allow devices access to networks, in this case, the wifi network. You don't need the passphrase to connect to the router when connecting via cable (Ethernet). Since wifi networks can be seen typically 100m (300 or more feet) away, the passphrase is needed to keep your neighbors from using your Internet access.

With that SSID and password printed on your device, it sounds like Cox is moving away from the old and unsafe practice of using "admin" and "admin" (or "password") as the default username and password. And that is good as, sadly, too many users were just leaving those as is. That is bad security since this information is posted everywhere. Default router passwords.

It is almost always best (and easiest) to access the Admin menu during initial setup with an Ethernet connected device. This is because there's no need to worry about SSIDs or passphrases at that point. At that point, you should change the Admin password from the default. You can change the Admin name too, "IF" your device allows that - some don't.

Once inside the Admin menu, you can navigate around and look at the wifi options, to include changing the SSID and passphrase.

So I recommend when setting up your LAN (local area network - everything on your side of your modem) you connect to the device via Ethernet. The default IP address should be printed the user guide or may also be printed on the bottom. You just enter that address in your browser. At that point, you "should" be prompted for the Admin credentials. Try that number printed on the bottom. If no luck, check the manual. Once in, change the password and the wifi passphrase. You can also change the SSID, if you wish.

Since you got this device directly from Cox, it "should" already be configured on their network to grant you access without you needing to call in and give them your account information, the devices MAC Address and more.

Good luck.