I've been using a Linksys Wireless-G 2.4ghz router for a pretty long time now.. with relatively no problems.
Today I could not find my SSID! I reset the router - still no luck, so I plugd in via ethernet to check the transmission and status. Well my SSID has changed from linksys_XXX to linksys_SES_XXXX where x=numbers... also my password has changed to a TKIP+AES, WPA pre shared key.
Why would this happen?? This is not due to a router reset. I have reset this router in the past, at which point the password protection is turned off entirely and SSID is broadcast as "linksys".
Being a Linksys router someone might have pushed the SES (SecureEasySetup) button on the front panel which invokes an automatic security configuration wizard.
Otherwise if you did not have security set up previously or used WEP then you have probably encountered a wardriver, possibly trying to be helpful in this case as WPA/AES is the most secure form of encryption for home use. If that were the case you should consider it valuable lesson learned!
Well I'm dumb - it must have been the SES button... I've just never heard of that button or noticed that it's there, considering it doesn't look like a button but more like the logo of linksys I guess someone must have pushed it. I had WEP before and I doubt anyone hacked into it... there's a dozen others in the neighborhood and half of them are open.