LPIC-2 File Sharing and Samba Practice Question
A Samba share is intended for guest (anonymous) access. Which global parameter must be set to allow this?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse the deprecated `security = share` (which was removed in Samba 4.x) with the correct modern approach, or they think setting `guest account = nobody` alone is sufficient to enable anonymous access, when in fact `map to guest` is the key parameter that controls the mapping of failed logins to guest sessions.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
map to guest = Bad User
The `map to guest = Bad User` parameter in Samba's global configuration forces any connection attempt with an invalid or non-existent username to be treated as a guest (anonymous) login. This is the standard way to allow anonymous access to shares while still using `security = user` (the default in modern Samba), as it maps failed authentication to the guest account.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
guest account = nobody
Why it's wrong here
Setting `guest account = nobody` defines the local Unix user identity that anonymous Samba connections will be mapped to. This is crucial for determining the file system permissions guests will have, making it tempting as it relates directly to guest access. However, it does not *enable* guest access itself; it only specifies the user *after* guest access has been permitted. The parameter required to allow anonymous connections is a different global setting that explicitly permits unauthenticated access to the share.
- ✗
security = share
Why it's wrong here
Deprecated and not recommended.
- ✓
map to guest = Bad User
Why this is correct
Maps unknown users to the guest account.
- ✗
security = user
Why it's wrong here
Requires authentication, not guest access.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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