Quick Answer
The answer is `map to guest = Bad User` in the `[global]` section and `guest ok = yes` in the share definition. This combination works because `map to guest = Bad User` tells Samba to treat any login attempt with an incorrect password as a guest connection, while `guest ok = yes` explicitly permits anonymous access to the specific share; without the latter, the share still requires authentication even with the global mapping enabled. On the LPIC-2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Samba’s layered security model—global parameters set the default behavior, but share-level parameters override them. A common trap is assuming `map to guest` alone is sufficient, but it only redirects failed logins; the share must also be marked as guest-accessible. For a quick memory tip, think of it as a two-step handshake: the global setting opens the door for bad credentials, and the share setting invites the guest inside.
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of file sharing and samba. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An administrator needs to configure Samba to allow guest access to a share. Which two parameters must be set?
security = share
Why wrong: security = share is deprecated, not required for guest access.
guest account = nobody
Why wrong: While often set, it is not strictly required; default is nobody.
guest ok = yes in the share definition
This enables guest access for the share.
map to guest = Bad User in the [global] section
This maps authentication failures to the guest account.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
guest ok = yes in the share definition
Option C is correct because setting `guest ok = yes` in the share definition explicitly allows guest (anonymous) access to that specific Samba share. Without this parameter, the share will require authentication even if other guest-related settings are configured globally.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
security = share
Why it's wrong here
security = share is deprecated, not required for guest access.
guest account = nobody
Why it's wrong here
While often set, it is not strictly required; default is nobody.
guest ok = yes in the share definition
Why this is correct
This enables guest access for the share.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
map to guest = Bad User in the [global] section
Why this is correct
This maps authentication failures to the guest account.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often think `security = share` alone enables guest access, but that parameter is obsolete and does not actually allow anonymous connections without `guest ok = yes` and `map to guest = Bad User`.
Detailed technical explanation
When a client connects to a Samba share with `guest ok = yes`, Samba skips password validation and maps the session to the account specified by `guest account` (default `nobody`). The `map to guest = Bad User` parameter in the `[global]` section is also required because it tells Samba to treat authentication failures (e.g., invalid username) as guest connections; without it, failed logins are rejected outright. In a real-world scenario, a public file drop share would combine `map to guest = Bad User` globally with `guest ok = yes` on the share to allow anonymous uploads while still requiring valid credentials for other shares.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-2 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
File Sharing and Samba — This question tests File Sharing and Samba — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: guest ok = yes in the share definition — Option C is correct because setting `guest ok = yes` in the share definition explicitly allows guest (anonymous) access to that specific Samba share. Without this parameter, the share will require authentication even if other guest-related settings are configured globally.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This LPIC-2 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the LPIC-2 exam.
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