your tech was wrong in telling you no need to set a password on the router. My fios tech specifically told me to be sure I went in and set up my user name and password and showed me how to do it. See just another reason for us to be pro-active in learning what we need to do to keep our systems and ourselves safe.

IF it is not somehow an ISP specific branded router then you could list it on craigslist or something like that or just donate it at a Goodwill store, they are good about refurbishing computers and selling them for cheap to people that can not afford new.

I agree with you ravencajun about being pro-active in learning what we need to do to protect ourselfs. It floored me that the telephone tech wasn't even aware of a problem.

I also went in and reset my security suite to change the connection from wired to wireless. Almost immediately it identified two attempts to get into my computer and I put them into the "do not trust" category. I'm sure I don't need to unplug the connection anymore, but just to be on the safe side, I'm continuing to do that. A bit of a pain for the other user in the house, but he'll get used to it.

This forum, and people like yourself have been so helpful!

Thanks
Steve

if using wireless be sure you do the proper security protocols to keep those outsides from getting on your network.
this beginners guide is a good one, it is a little dated now but still covers the basics.
Securing A Wireless Network

few easy steps

a nice slide show of the steps
Photos: How to secure your home wireless network

raven, thanks for all the info. I'll print out the articles and then try to do some of the things they suggest. I'm computer savy only to a point, so some of what they suggest is a bit technical for me.

I'm still amazed at what the tech told me, especially after reading the article in the Washington Post. I wonder if any of the techs for any system, ISP's etc. ever read up about these problems.

They are likely trying to make support easier for themselves. Can you imagine the logistics of assisting people with lost or forgotten wep keys? 26 digits to enter leaves lots of room for typing errors and the key should be private and not known by the support tech. Does that make sense to you?

Pam

he is actually talking about the password to the router interface not the keys, the username and password to enter the router which have the default factory set ones when installed. That is something that should be changed immediately and not left set as default.