What Is a Argus Vault

The Argus Vault is the core security primitive of ARGUS.

A Argus Vault is a protected wallet vault where every transaction requires both:

1. A valid cryptographic signature
2. Real-time verification of the user's physical and environmental context

This means that even if an attacker steals your private key or seed phrase, the key alone is not enough to move funds.

The Fundamental Difference

Traditional Wallet

Private Key → Signature → Transaction Executes

Problem: Key alone is sufficient. If compromised, funds are immediately accessible.

Argus Vault

Private Key + Location + Voice + Hardware + Environment → All Verified → Transaction Executes

Solution: Key is necessary but not sufficient. Multiple independent layers must all pass.

Geo-Fenced Transaction Approvals

With ARGUS Wallet v1.0.1, Argus Vaults introduce geo-signature protected transactions.

When a Argus Vault is active:

• Transactions can only be approved from locations you explicitly trust
• Approval fails immediately if the request originates outside your geofence
• Distance matters — being thousands of kilometers away is an automatic rejection

Wrong place. No signature.

This security layer is live, functional, and designed for real-world use.

Breaking the Modern Attack Path

Most large wallet thefts today follow the same path:

• Social engineering
• Malware or remote access
• Seed phrase or key exfiltration
• Immediate draining of funds

The reason this works is simple: traditional wallets trust the key completely.

ARGUS breaks this attack path.

With a Argus Vault:

• A valid key is necessary but not sufficient
• The attacker must also match your physical location
• They must be using an authorized device
• They must pass live environmental verification

A remote attacker — regardless of how the key was obtained — fails instantly.

There is no reuse of old proofs.

There is no replay.

There is no bypass.

Every transaction requires fresh, real-time approval tied to the real world.

How Argus Vault Works

Architecture

A Argus Vault is not a traditional wallet—it's a Squads Protocol V4 multisig account that requires multiple security verifications to approve transactions:

1. Your Signature: You create and sign transaction proposals
2. Server Approval: ARGUS backend verifies security layers and co-signs
3. On-Chain Execution: Transaction executes via Squads smart contract

Security Layers

Each Argus Vault can be configured with multiple independent security layers:

Required Layers

• Voice Biometrics: Your unique voice print serves as a biometric signature
• Geographic Verification: Transactions only approved from registered locations

Optional Layers

• Hardware Keys: USB security keys for physical authentication
• Bluetooth Devices: Proximity verification via trusted devices
• Platform Biometrics: Fingerprint, Face ID, Windows Hello

Transaction Flow

User initiates transaction
    ↓
Create multisig proposal (on-chain)
    ↓
User signs proposal
    ↓
Security verification begins:
  - Voice biometric check
  - Geographic location check
  - Hardware key check (if enabled)
  - Bluetooth device check (if enabled)
  - Platform biometric check (if enabled)
    ↓
All verifications pass
    ↓
Server co-signs proposal
    ↓
Transaction executes on-chain
    ↓
Funds transferred

Security Guarantees

Even if an attacker obtains your private key, they cannot drain your Argus Vault funds without:

• Replicating your voice biometrics
• Being physically present at your registered location
• Possessing your registered hardware security key
• Having access to your registered Bluetooth device
• Bypassing your platform biometric authentication

This multi-layered approach creates defense-in-depth that makes unauthorized access virtually impossible.

Creating Your Argus Vault

Creating a Argus Vault is the moment you leave single-key security behind.

Once your Argus Vault is active:

• Your assets are no longer drainable with a stolen seed phrase
• Transactions require context, not just credentials
• Your wallet becomes environment-aware and physically enforced

ARGUS shifts self-custody from key-based trust to reality-based security.

Use Cases

Long-Term Holdings

Argus Vault is ideal for assets you don't need frequent access to:

• Life savings in crypto
• Large investments
• Emergency funds
• Retirement holdings

High-Value Assets

For significant amounts, Argus Vault provides maximum protection:

• Protection against remote attacks
• Multiple independent security layers
• On-chain multisig enforcement
• Geographic binding

Compliance Requirements

For organizations requiring geographic restrictions:

• Transactions only from authorized locations
• Audit trail via on-chain multisig
• Configurable security policies
• Regulatory compliance support

Comparison to Other Solutions

Solution	Security Model	Remote Attack Protection	Usability
Hot Wallet	Single key	None	Excellent
Hardware Wallet	Key on device	Good	Fair
Traditional Multisig	Multiple keys	Good	Poor
Argus Vault	Key + Context	Excellent	Good

Key Takeaways

1. Argus Vault is the core security primitive of ARGUS
2. Requires both key and context for transactions
3. Breaks the modern attack path by requiring physical presence
4. Multiple independent layers provide defense-in-depth
5. On-chain enforcement via Squads V4 multisig

Argus Vault represents a fundamental shift from key-based to context-based security.

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Next Steps

• How Argus Vault Security Works - Deep dive into security mechanisms
• Security Layers - Understanding each security layer
• Getting Started: Argus Vault Setup - Set up your Argus Vault