Quick Answer
The correct answer is user, ads, and domain. These three are valid values for the security parameter in smb.conf because they define distinct authentication modes for Samba: user mode requires clients to provide a username and password validated locally, ads mode integrates Samba as a member of an Active Directory domain using Kerberos and LDAP, and domain mode delegates authentication to a legacy Windows NT-style domain controller. On the LPIC-2 exam, this question tests your understanding of Samba’s core security models, often appearing alongside traps like the invalid share or server values. A common mistake is confusing ads with the deprecated server mode, which was removed in modern Samba versions. To remember the valid set, think of the acronym UAD: User, ADS, Domain—these are the three modes that actually enforce authentication, unlike the pass-through or anonymous options.
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.
Which THREE are valid values for the 'security' parameter in smb.conf? (Choose three.)
auto
Why wrong: Not a valid value for security parameter.
ads
Active Directory security mode.
share
Why wrong: Deprecated; no longer supported in recent Samba versions.
domain
NT4 domain security mode.
user
Default security mode; users must authenticate.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ads
Option B (ads) is correct because the 'security = ads' setting in smb.conf configures Samba to operate in Active Directory domain member mode, allowing it to join an Active Directory domain using Kerberos authentication and LDAP for identity resolution. This is a valid security mode for integrating Samba with Windows Active Directory environments.
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.
auto
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid value for security parameter.
ads
Why this is correct
Active Directory security mode.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
share
Why it's wrong here
Deprecated; no longer supported in recent Samba versions.
domain
Why this is correct
NT4 domain security mode.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
user
Why this is correct
Default security mode; users must authenticate.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'auto' with a valid automatic negotiation mode or assume 'share' is still valid, when in fact 'share' is deprecated and 'auto' was never a valid security setting in Samba.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'security' parameter controls how Samba handles authentication and user access. In 'ads' mode, Samba uses Kerberos tickets obtained from a Domain Controller for authentication and relies on the Active Directory LDAP backend for user and group information, requiring proper configuration of the 'realm' and 'workgroup' parameters. A subtle behavior is that 'ads' mode requires the Samba server to be joined to the domain via 'net ads join' and typically uses 'winbind' for ID mapping, which can cause issues if the time synchronization with the DC is off by more than 5 minutes due to Kerberos ticket expiration.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
File Sharing and Samba — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
File Sharing and Samba practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All LPIC-2 questions
511 questions across all exam domains
Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 2 LPIC-2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
LPIC-2 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Linux Kernel and System Startup.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Advanced Networking Configuration.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to DNS, Web and Mail Services.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to File Sharing and Samba.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to System Security.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Network Client Management.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 fundamentals.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 scenario.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: ads — Option B (ads) is correct because the 'security = ads' setting in smb.conf configures Samba to operate in Active Directory domain member mode, allowing it to join an Active Directory domain using Kerberos authentication and LDAP for identity resolution. This is a valid security mode for integrating Samba with Windows Active Directory environments.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.