ABC ups spend for cyber security measures

ABC managing director David Anderson has revealed the broadcaster's cyber security costs would increase from $1.7 million this financial year to $3.9 million next financial year.

"It is something that, frankly, for any media organisation you have to invest in to stand still," he told a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Wednesday.

"The sophistication of the attacks that you see, or that I see certainly on our organisation, increases. So (does) the money you must spend to constantly make sure that you're ahead of that curve."

But Mr Anderson doesn't expect the cost to continue rising at that rate, saying it should stay constant at best.

The Nine Network was the target of a cyber-attack in March, which had broad disruptions to its live programming and publications.

Since the incident, the ABC and Nine shared knowledge on how to better protect their companies.

Mr Anderson also said the broadcaster was ready to finalise deals with Facebook and Google for the tech giants to pay for its content.

Letters of intent have been signed with the two technology companies over the news media bargaining code.

While Mr Anderson would not say how much the deals would be worth, the money is expected to go towards regional services.

"These investments will provide a huge boost to the regions at a time when many areas of regional and rural Australia have experienced a withdrawal of media services," he said.

Google has signed deals with News Corp, Seven West Media, Junkee Media, Nine, Australian Community Media, Schwartz Media, The Conversation, Solstice Media, The Guardian and Times News Group.

Facebook has struck deals with News Corp, Seven, Nine, Private Media, Schwartz Media, ACM and Solstice.

Australian Associated Press