Systems administrators who use pam_smb might be concerned about its reliance on LANMAN. Even when LANMAN is encrypted, it isn't entirely safe from attack in a shared-network environment. However, comprehensive solutions are available that don't rely on LANMAN.
One such solution is Samba, which now offers Windows 2000 and Windows NT 4.0 directory integration. To accomplish this integration, Samba uses a new service known as winbind, which works in conjunction with Linux's authentication subsystem. For more information about Samba and winbind, visit the Samba Web site at http://www.samba.org