While technology has changed the world for the better, this rising dependence has also increased cyber risks. From an exponential increase in online scams to a growing number of human-error problems, there's a greater need to prepare for worst-case cybersecurity scenarios.

But this kind of preparation requires a proper understanding of what the worst-case scenarios are and how they can be managed. "By definition, the worst-case scenarios for cybersecurity are when human life is at risk due to an attack," says Matthew Warner, CTO and co-founder of Blumira, a detection and response platform that enables faster resolution of threats to help stop ransomware attacks and prevent data breaches. For businesses, this can mean a loss of important, sensitive information that puts lives in danger or threatens to shut down the company.

Fortunately, awareness around cybersecurity is widespread. Governments are issuing recommendations and passing laws, and companies are actively deploying measures to safeguard data. Here are some of the best ways to prepare for the worst-case cyber scenarios.