Automation, as both a bane and a boon, tops a list of 2021 forecasts from Seattle-based network security company WatchGuard.

Tools that automate spear phishing attacks, which involve specifically tailored and malicious emails sent to individuals, will make such attacks much more common and effective, WatchGuard says in a press release. On the flip side, WatchGuard projects that automated tools will also help Amazon, Microsoft, Google and other cloud-hosting providers stamp out cyber criminals’ spoofing attempts.

WatchGuard’s other predictions include a two-fold increase in attacks on companies that adopt VPNs and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) solutions as remote working persists. WatchGuard also warns of the potential for a major new vulnerability in Windows 7, which recently ceased to receive an extended support program from Microsoft. Services without multi-factor authentication, the firm adds, look “highly likely” to suffer a breach in 2021.

"Robot Overlords No, Connected Car Hacks Yes"

That's the headline from ThreatPost and it outlines predictions for the 12 months ahead. Smaller interconnected devices will become more innovatively hacked as they proliferate, according to the report. And while connected cars are difficult to hack due to their safety provisions, these vehicles may soon see, at the very least, a “proof-of-concept” attack on their autopilot systems, ThreatPost projects.

ThreatPost also envisions ransomware continuing to develop into 2021, likely with dire consequences as hackers continue to target the health sector. Zero-day attacks, as well as cryptocurrencies and government attempts to ban cryptocurrencies, may also become more ever-present, according to ThreatPost.

Separately, Forbes.com has rounded up what it says are the top 20 cybersecurity startups for 2021, based on Crunchbase data. They are: Axis Security, Bitglass, Cado Security, Confluera, DataFleets, DefenseStorm, Enso Security, Ethyca, Havoc Shield, Illumio, Immuta, Isovalent, JupiterOne, Lightspin, Orca Security, SECURITI.ai, SecureStack, Stairwell, Ubiq Security and Unit21.