Is using the router and modem my cable company provided for my internet putting my privacy at risk? And if so, I have heard of openWRT routers but it seems like there’s quite a bit of a learning curve with that but even if I got one would I need a non cable company branded modem as well? Any specifically that anyone here would recommend?
Just use OpenWRT. It supports about 1600 devices and is secure by default (low attack surface due to minimal design and hardened kernel)