As with any online system involving money, Bitcoin has drawn its fair share of hackers, who have targeted Bitcoin exchanges that specialize in converting the virtual currency into fiat currency. Botnet operators and Ponzi schemers have also left their marks.

"We can help solve or mitigate these problems as a community," Vessenes wrote. "My hope is that the Bitcoin Foundation will be the organization that focuses and unlocks all of your energy and talents towards promoting Bitcoins, protecting them, and increasing their legitimacy through standardization."

A platinum annual membership for enterprises to join the Bitcoin Foundation 10,000 BTC, which is about US$124,000 as of Monday. A gold membership for business costs 2,500 BTC, and the silver category is 500 BTC annually. Lifetime membership for individuals is 25 BTC, and a one-year individual member is 2.5 BTC.