Why am I able to access a shared folder without authentication?

It sounds like you're accessing the network share using your own logged-in credentials, which probably have permission to that share. When you clicked 'Add a network location,' it used your current credentials automatically. If you want to test your scheduled task user's access, try mapping a drive and entering their credentials directly, like this: `net use Z: \fileserver.domain.comsharename /user:domainschdtaskuser`. This way, you can properly verify their permissions.

If you're on a domain, your credentials are likely being passed through automatically, allowing you access. If you're not in a domain but have previously authenticated with the server, those credentials can still be valid until you log off. As for the shared folder, the critical part is ensuring you don’t set the share permissions too broadly—like using 'Everyone,' which can open up security risks.

For security reasons, avoid giving 'Everyone' access. It’s better to narrow it down to user groups that actually need it. If you're worried about subfolder permissions, remember those are managed differently than share permissions, so keep an eye on NTFS rights as well. It's smarter to not mix share and NTFS permissions without clear control.

It's usually best to keep NTFS permissions as they are. Set restrictions at the Sharing tab, since they provide visibility on who can access the shared resource without diving deep into NTFS settings. Just remember, share permissions kick in when accessing through the share name.

I highly recommend you change 'Everyone' to 'Authenticated Users' for share permissions. Using 'Everyone' can cause vulnerabilities, especially if you have accounts that shouldn't have full control. It's a good practice to create a specific group for file share permissions instead.