Abstract: Generally described, a method, software system, and computer-readable medium are provided for efficiently collecting data this useful in developing software systems to identify and protect against malware. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for collecting data to determine whether a malware is propagating in a networking environment is provided. More specifically, the method includes receiving preliminary data sets at a server computer from a plurality of client computers that describes attributes of a potential malware. Then a determination is made regarding whether secondary data is needed to implement systems for protecting against the potential malware. If secondary data is needed, the method causes the secondary data to be collected when an additional preliminary data set is received from a client computer.

Abstract: Upon successfully authenticating a client device with a server system, the client device and server system share auto-reconnect data. Upon subsequently losing and re-establishing communications with the server system, the client sends an auto-authenticate request to the server. The auto-authenticate request includes a session verifier that is based at least in part on the shared auto-reconnect data. The server validates the session verifier. If the validation is successful, the server automatically re-authenticates the client device.

Abstract: Upon successfully authenticating a client device with a server system, the client device and server system share auto-reconnect data. Upon subsequently losing and re-establishing communications with the server system, the client sends an auto-authenticate request to the server. The auto-authenticate request includes a session verifier that is based at least in part on the shared auto-reconnect data. The server validates the session verifier. If the validation is successful, the server automatically re-authenticates the client device.