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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Randy B. Singer" data-source="post: 1710202" data-attributes="member: 190607">So, going back and trying to answer the original poster's questions...In the past I would have said "no".  However, the latest ransomware makes an attempt to encrypt your attached Time Machine backup as well.  See:<a href="http://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/03/new-os-x-ransomware-keranger-infected-transmission-bittorrent-client-installer/" target="_blank">http://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/03/new-os-x-ransomware-keranger-infected-transmission-bittorrent-client-installer/</a>Note that this ransomware, KeRanger, no longer exists in the wild, and there are currently no other examples of true ransomware in the wild for OS X.So, the best way to survive a ransomware attack is by having a meticulously updated backup, but ransomware may be going after backups as well.  How do you deal with this?  It's actually quite simple.  Don't leave your backup attached to your Mac when it is not actively doing a backup. (Malware can't spread to a  hard drive that isn't attached to your Mac.)  And, if you want extra security, rotate one or more backups and use them alternately.  That way if you backup your Mac after it has already been infected by ransomware, you will likely recognize your mistake before your older backup is infected.  A VPN should work the same and protect you no matter what you are paying for it.  However, unless you are using your Macintosh in public places on public unsecured networks (e.g. a restaurant or other store you patronize), and you are doing sensitive work in those settings (e.g. accessing your bank), you probably don't need to use a VPN at all.  See:<a href="http://www.macworld.com/article/2944672/how-to-use-a-vpn-to-keep-your-network-data-safe.html" target="_blank">http://www.macworld.com/article/2944672/how-to-use-a-vpn-to-keep-your-network-data-safe.html</a></blockquote>

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