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.