Abstract: Methods for use with computing devices implementing a plurality of nodes of a ring-shaped overlay network. A joining node implemented by a joining computing device requests a connection with a bootstrap one of the plurality of nodes. In response, the bootstrap node sends a handshake identifier to the joining node. The joining node loads one or more portions of selected software code as a byte stream, and performs an operation (e.g., a hash function) on the handshake identifier and the byte stream to determine a first value. The joining node transmits the first value to the bootstrap node. The bootstrap node compares the first value to a second value. When the first and second values are identical, the bootstrap node validates the joining node. When the first and second values are not identical, the bootstrap node rejects the joining node thereby preventing the joining node from joining the overlay network.