In one embodiment, a networking device at an edge of a network enrolls with a controller that supervises operation of the networking device. The networking device sends a publication request to a cloud-based messaging service. The networking device provides, to the cloud-based messaging service, identification information that indicates the controller that supervises operation of the networking device. The networking device receives, from the cloud-based messaging service, authorization to publish messages to the cloud-based messaging service. The cloud-based messaging service uses the identification information to confirm an identity of the networking device with the controller that supervises operation of the networking device. The networking device sends, after receiving authorization to publish messages to the cloud-based messaging service, a message for publication to the cloud-based messaging service. The message comprises data sourced from an endpoint in the network.