Do I need to password-protect my router.

I got a new Thomson wire+wireless modem with 4 connections from my ISP.

1) I dont use wireless, so I shut that function down. Even if I hadnt the techgirl said noone can get in from the outside since the wireless network is password protected and the password can only be seen on the modem itself.

Do I need to change that password?

2) Here on Wilders I heard I should password protect my router settings. Techgirl said that is not neccesary and she had never heard of anybody being able to harm/scam/redirect traffic - through an not-password protected router. Nontech as I am - but I argued otherwise. I have heard about scammers redirecting endusers traffic after taking control of their router on purpose to commit bankfraud and empty their accounts. Techgirl never had heard that.
Whats the right answer to this? Shall I password-protect my router?

How do I do it on a Thomson TG585 v7? If you dont know - please point me to somewhere - but I guess your out there knowing all the answers as usual - you allways are/do!

Best Regards

 

hi......this might help..........http://www.plus.net/support/hardware/thomson585web.pdf

 

Sorry - couldnt find it there - but thanks anyway.

 

On page 4 just below #9. Read they text in the gray box. If you do not create\change the password then it defaults to Admin. Admin is pretty much the default password of every router brand on the market. This can be and has been exploited.

 

Thanks - I will do it.

 

Thanks guys - dont know why I didnt see it at first. According another thread theres a firmware problem with this router that means that after changeing pw you cant get in without using Firefox?! However I am protected and if I need there is always the possibility to reset and get back to default settings.
Thanks

Edit: Could enter modem/router right now with my new password.

Kasperking and ThunderZ - many thanks again.