Do you know what TitanCryptor Ransomware is?
There are two known versions of TitanCryptor Ransomware, a malicious file-encrypting infection that Windows users need to beware of. At the time of research, according to our malware research team, the first variant of this malware was capable of encrypting files, but it was unable to connect to the Internet, and it was not creating a ransom note file, which means that it was dysfunctional. The main function of file-encrypting ransomware, of course, is to corrupt files, but it is just as important to inform the victim that they must pay the ransom. The second version of the infection – better known as ArgusCrypt Ransomware – is capable of encrypting files and introducing victims to demands, and so, in theory, it should be more successful. Regardless of the version, removing TitanCryptor Ransomware is crucial.
Our research team analyzed the malicious code of ArgusCrypt Ransomware, and there is no doubt that it is associated with TitanCryptor Ransomware. This version of the infection is likely to spread using spam emails and exposed system vulnerabilities, and once it slithers in, it destroys internal backups first. Just like Dharma Ransomware (audit24@qq.com variation), GoldenAxe Ransomware, Eq Ransomware, and hundreds of other threats alike, this malware deletes shadow volume copies. This guarantees that victims cannot recover files using a system restore point. Additionally, the threat also tries to delete other kinds of backup files, which is exactly why it is always better to backup files on cloud or external drives. TitanCryptor Ransomware does not create other functional files, and no point of execution is created either. As it turns out, one malicious file is enough to employ AES and RSA encryption keys to corrupt files.
TitanCryptor Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
When files are encrypted, the ArgusCrypt version of TitanCryptor Ransomware attaches the “.ARGUS” extension to the names to make them easily detectible. Once you see this extension, you do not need to open the file to see that it is unreadable. Unfortunately, even if you remove the added extension, your files will remain corrupted. Along with the corrupted files, you should find copies of the “ARGUS-DECRYPT.html” file. This is the only file that the ArgusCrypt version of TitanCryptor Ransomware creates, but it does not run the ransomware, and it does not offer any functions. It is safe to open, and when you do, you can find a text message informing about the encryption of files and instructing to obtain a private key via email or the anonymous Tor Browser. argusdecrypt@cock.li and argusdecrypt@mailfence.com are the two email addresses that you are supposed to use, and http://argusqug6aw25gye.onion/ is the link you are supposed to follow if you use the Tor Browser. In any case, you will be asked to pay a ransom, and you should not do that if you do not want to lose your money for no reason.
The ransom note delivered by TitanCryptor Ransomware instructs not to modify, delete, or rename the corrupted files, and you definitely should not do that, as that would be a waste of time. You cannot recover the files in that way, and it is unlikely that you can recover them by paying the ransom either. Our research team suggests that you are safe only if your personal files are backed up online or on external drives. Even if that is the case, you need to delete TitanCryptor Ransomware first. If you know where the launcher of this malicious infection is, you might be able to eliminate the threat manually, but we recommend installing anti-malware software to have all threats erased automatically and your operating system secured reliably.
Remove TitanCryptor Ransomware/ArgusCrypt Ransomware
- Find the [unknown name].exe file that represents the infection.
- Right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
- Right-click and Delete every copy of the malicious ARGUS-DECRYPT.html file.
- Empty Recycle Bin.
- Perform a full system scan using a reliable malware scanner.
In non-techie terms:
If your operating system is not protected, and you do not act cautiously, TitanCryptor Ransomware is one of the many infections that could invade it. Once in, this malware encrypts files and deletes shadow volume copies to prevent you from restoring files from backup. Of course, the infection cannot affect backups stored online or on external drives. Hopefully, those exist, because recovering encrypted files appears to be impossible. You certainly should not jeopardize your security by contacting the attackers and waste your money by paying the ransom. Instead, you should focus on removing TitanCryptor Ransomware, and we strongly recommend employing anti-malware software because it can erase existing malware and secure the operating system against attackers at once.