Cambridge-based security provider Akamai announced on Tuesday that it has stepped up to provide its cloud services technology to secure itBit, a global exchange for virtual currencies – one of which is Bitcoin.
People's e-pockets will be protected by a trio of Akamai's highly-tuned security and optimization services suite, including Kona Site Defender, Enhanced DNS and Global Traffic Management.
"Security, performance and high availability are critical to success in the business of virtual currency trading," said Rich Bolstridge, chief strategist of Financial Services for Akamai, in the release. "If your exchange is perceived as vulnerable, if it's down, if users can't conduct trades, members will seek alternatives. Our work with itBit helps the organization deliver world class service and security to their customers."
This news comes a mere 24-hours after Akamai announced the acquisition of Velocius Networks.
Just two weeks ago, Brightcove founder Jeremy Allaire's digital currency startup Circle closed a massive Series A round worth $9 million, led by West Coast investor Jim Breyer of Accel Partners and local VC firm General Catalyst. Allaire intends for Circle to further push the adoption of digital currencies, like Bitcoin, into the mainstream by providing acceptance tools for merchants and simple utility services to consumers.
With Circle's station in Boston and Akamai's ability to protect the burgeoning payment sector, Boston may well be on the path to becoming the center for digital currency.
