How to remove Argus ransomware

Argus ransomware is a cryptovirus that can also be found as ArgusCryptor V1.0 virus and Titan ransomware

Argus ransomware is a dangerous cryptovirus that uses a combined AES-128 and RSA-2048 encryption method to lock users' data. Its name comes from the video game World of Warcraft. However, according to malware experts, the virus was alternatively called as Titan ransomware.^[1] The malicious payload gets on the system in the form of argus2.exe and Titan.exe files. Next, the virus encrypts data and marks it with .ARGUS file extension. When this process is done, it appends the ransom note called ARGUS-DECRYPT.html and introduces itself as ARGUS CRYPTOR V1.0. The ransom note contains various information about the initial ransomware attack and brief instructions on payment methods. The virus developers also encourage people to purchase unique decryption key, but the price is different to each victim.

Argus ransomware virus uses both, AES and RSA, algorithms to change the original files' code and make their decryption more difficult. Files cannot be opened when ransomware encodes them and adds . ARGUS extension. Ransomware can encrypt various types of files like documents, images, music, videos, archives, and databases. While system files can't be encrypted, they can be affected in other ways or even deleted.

Since Argus ransomware virus focuses on getting money, the primary purpose is to locks users' files and demand payment in cryptocurrency.^[2] There is no predetermined amount that victims need to pay. Most probably, it depends on how fast the victim contacts hackers or the amount of data to recover. All these details and more is stated in the ransom note which reads the following:

.- = | ARGUS CRYPTOR V1.0 | = -. 
Attention! 
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted! 
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only WE can recover your files! 
You can get the private key by email as well as through a closed TOR network. CAN the get there You by the the following ways 
<—————————————– ———————————————–> 
the Main email : argusdecrypt@cock.li 
Reserved email: argusdecrypt@mailfence.com 
Classifieds Follow the instructions 
the If the? answer for a long time the no 
Download the Tor browser – https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy
The Tor browser the Install 
the Open the Tor Browser 
the Open link in browser TOR: http://argusqug6aw25gye.onion/ 
Classifieds Follow the instructions on the this page 
<———————– ————————————————– —————> 
You CAN the get the Opportunity to decrypt the 1 file for free. 
ATTENTION! 
The TO PREVENT the ORDER the IN the DATA the DAMAGE: 
* the DO the NOT the MODIFY The ENCRYPTED FILES 
* the DO the NOT the DELETE The ENCRYPTED FILES 
* the DO the NOT the RENAME The ENCRYPTED FILES 

When on the system, Argus Cryptor also changes the wallpaper of your desktop to wallpaper.bmp that displays the following text:

the ARGUS ransomware v1.0 
Dear admin! 
All your files has been encrypted! 
For encrypting used cryptographic algorithm RSA2048. 
Only we can provide you decryptor. 
The the Read lnstructions.html for more information. 
You can find this file everywhere on your PC. 
Only we can provide you decryptor. 
Do not attempt to decrypt the data yourself . 
You might corrupt your files. 
Not the Delete the Encrypted the Do Files 
the Do not the Modify the Encrypted Files 
the Do not Rename's the Encrypted Files

The developers of Argus ransomware have been encouraging people to download Tor browser to contact them. Additionally, the victim is supposed to send them one file for free to test the decryption service. However, as we have been repeating for days, cybersecurity experts^[3] do not recommend doing so because it may lead to permanent data or even money loss. 

Remove Argus ransomware from the system entirely and clean the device using FortectIntego or another anti-malware program. Then, make sure that malware is terminated by double-checking. After this, you can safely use your backups and replace encoded files.

Unfortunately, there is no official decryptor released by security experts for this ransomware, so you need to perform Argus ransomware removal and focus on finding backups. You can also find steps at the end of this article. Methods that are listed in this part of the article include third-party software which should be beneficial with the data recovery.

Spam emails distributed in bulk spreads malicious files

Initial spam email campaigns target pre-selected targets, but email spam is a method to spread several different malware and once. Phishing tactics attempt to scam the recipients into thinking that they got a legitimate email from a company. However, malicious actors pose as PayPal, FedEx, Amazon or other well-known companies and send their content to unsuspected users.

Remember that legal services are not sending financial documents, order information or receipts for ransom people. So do not open the attachment from an email you didn't expect to get. Try scanning the questionable document before opening on the device.

Ransomware can also be distributed by other malware, but most of the trojans designed to spread ransomware payload also come from infected spam email attachments. Malicious macros can install direct ransomware or malicious script on the device. 

Employ reputable tools for Argus ransomware elimination

To remove Argus ransomware from the system, you need to get an anti-malware program and scan the system thoroughly. You can choose FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes for the job. A full system scan detects all possible threats and helps with virus termination and overall system cleaning. 

Automatic Argus ransomware removal is the best way to get back to a safe computer. However, you still need to pay close attention to the process. Since cryptovirus adds various files on the system, it makes antivirus tools not working correctly. For this reason, you should reboot your PC in Safe Mode and then perform a thorough scan to get rid of the ransomware. 

Also, do not forget to check if the system is clear from other malware besides Argus ransomware virus. If you plug in the external device with your backups on the insecure system, you may lose your files completely. Make sure that you backup your data on the cloud service too, in the future.^[4] This ensures that your data can be recovered later on.