Monday, November 5, 2007

Bit9 and Kaspersky Lab team up on security

Cambridge-based Bit9 Inc. reports reaching an agreement to combine technologies with a Moscow-based laboratory.

Bit9, a security software company, and Kaspersky Lab, a developer of secure content management products, have formed a strategic technology partnership that calls for Kaspersky Lab to integrate Bit9's technology into future Kaspersky products, according to the companies.

Kaspersky Lab plans to incorporate the Bit9 Knowledgebase, a software identification service that helps users better identify both good and potentially malicious applications on desktops, laptops and servers, according to Bit9 officials.

Bit9 was founded in 2002 by the founders of Waltham's Okena Inc., which was acquired in 2003 by Cisco Systems Inc. for $154 million in Cisco stock.

In October, Bit9 attracted $10 million in a third round of venture capital funding, raising the company's total VC funding to $25.8 million.

Leading the round was .406 Ventures, with participation from existing investors Kleiner, Perkins Caufield & Byers, Atlas Venture and Highland Capital Partners. In addition to Bit9's venture funding, the company received in 2003 a $2 million federal grant from the National Institute of Standards and Practices.