If you have become a victim of Ranksonic(.)biz’s referral spam it is important to take the necessary actions to cut the spam away from your website permanently. According to experts, this referral spam has been caught to cause a storm of spam targeting both small and developed websites with its peak during the colder days. Several websites have experienced the headache of removing spam by Ranksonic(.)biz. In the hereby article we researched several methods to block the spam completely from google analytics and also prevent it via other techniques.
| Name | Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam |
| Type | Malicious domain being spammed by Referrer Spams |
| Short Description | The domain may do various dangerous or unhealthy deeds to the PC activities. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness fake Java Update downloads as well as redirects to other potentially harmful domains. |
| Distribution Method | Via clicking on any Ranksonic(.)biz links (For example Ranksonic(.)biz/?hrefasdi9/). By being redirected to it via a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Progra) causing pop-ups and redirects on the PC. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss about Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam. |
Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam – What Is It?
This particular type of spam is also familiar as referrer bombing or log spam. It has been made primarily to generate traffic which is hoax to client websites by spamming its links which redirect to them. An example of spam link by Ranksonic may look like the following:
https://2382321ranksonic(.)biz/a_20eh02das0d-002pldna0w2/
At the moment the domain itself ranksonic(.)biz leads users to the main website of the ‘service’ which advertises it as a analytics data management website, offering helpful website analytics.
This referral spam may come in different forms, along with different messages, redirecting users to one or more websites that may have any content (from legitimate to malicious) on them. Such sites may conceal different dangers from the user:
- Infect the user with malware.
- Scam the user into buying a product from non-existent online retailer stores or good phishing sites that look almost the same as Alibaba, eBay, Amazon and others. A good example for a phishing site is offer(dot)alibaba(dot)com which looks almost the same as the original website alibaba.com
- Fake social engineering scams in the face of fake error pop-ups prompting users to call fake tech support to fix the problem for an expensive fee.
- Survey schemes promising rewarding upon entering your personal information or financial info in the questionnaire.
- Fraudulent antivirus software sites advertising badly coded antivirus software that slows down user PCs and shows fake virus detections to make inexperienced users subscribe and buy an overpriced licensed version.
After we have examined several of the many dangers if you are a user and visit such redirecting links, let’s see what dangers this spam may be posing for the site itself.
In case you have a site that is low on traffic and you are trying to research based on the traffic analytics how to improve it, this type of spam may quickly damage your data by adding the spam traffic and hence devaluating it.
Referral spam is very persistent and in some cases (if conducted on a massive scale by more than one vendors and not stopped in time) it may crash the website server, causing the site do change into a ‘down’ state.
Officially, referrer spam has been divided into two main categories.
1st category: WebCrawing or Spiders
This type of spam attacks is called this way because the spamming program ‘crawls’ over the web to search for opportunities to spam. It is usually aimed at small and underdeveloped websites since larger sites may have various defences in the form of captcha letters and other ‘Am I a robot?’ type of checks. The spam bot devaluates statistics very fast making a relevant research based on them impossible.
This spam category is less aggressive due to the fact that spider spam bots usually back away as soon as they have been spotted to avoid flagging and raise eyebrows. However, there is a big ‘it depends’ when it comes to agressiveness.
2nd category – Ghost Referral Spam
This particular spam category is the most widely used type of spam because it is very developed and its attacks are more sophisticated. The word ‘ghost’ is there for a particular reason. This type of spam remains hidden for as long as possible on a site while sending out its messages. Some attacks by this type of software are so well developed that the spam bot itself may use specific tools to help it not even stay on the website it is spamming i.e. conduct the spam while not there. This makes it harder to block out and filter and extra measures are usually required.
Ben Davis at vidget.com, a spam researcher, claims that this type of attacks use the free HTTP traffic data passing through to capture it and use it to mask their sessions.
Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam – How To Protect Yourself from It?
Users and publishers may not be aware but there are many methods to stop such spam from happening in the future. Here we have provided links to some of those methods. In case the ones below are not successful, you can see more filtering and blocking methods in Google Analytics here:
https://sensorstechforum.com/exclude-all-hits-from-known-bots-and-spiders-in-google-analytics/
Before blocking out any Ranskonic(.)biz, make sure you check out this blacklist of websites also featured in massive referral spam campaigns:
https://github.com/piwik/referrer-spam-blacklist/blob/master/spammers.txt
Method 1: Filter it in Google Analytics
You can always try to block all of the domains associated with this website (.info, .net., .com, etc.).
Step 1: Click on the ‘Admin’ tab on your GA web page.
Step 2: Choose which ‘View’ is to be filtered and then click the ‘Filters’ button.
Step 3: Click on ‘New Filter’.
Step 4: Write a name, such as ‘Spam Referrals’.
Step 5: On Filter Type choose Custom Filter –>Exclude Filter –> Field: Campaign Source–> Filter Pattern. Then on the Pattern, enter the domain name – Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam
Step 6: Select Views to Apply Filter.
Step 7: Save the filter, by clicking on the ‘Save’ button.
You are done! Congratulations!
Method 2: Block it from your server.
In case you have a server that is Apache HTTP Server, you may want to try the following commands to block Ranksonic(.)biz domains in the .htaccess file:
RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*ranksonic\.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*ranskonic.\.ru/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*ranskonic \.org/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*ranskonic \.info/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* ranskonic \.biz/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* ranskonic \.co/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* ranskonic \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* ranskonic \-for\-website\.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ – [F,L]
Also, here are some more domains you could block from your server as well:
https://perishablepress.com/blacklist/ultimate-referrer-blacklist.txt
Disclaimer: This type of domain blocking in Apache servers has not yet been tested and it should be done by experienced professionals. Backup is always recommended.
Method 3 – Via WordPress
There is a method outlined by security researchers online that uses WordPress plugins to block referrer spams from sites. There are many plugins that help deal with referrer spam, simply do a google search. We have currently seen one particular plugin reported to work, called WP-Ban, but bear in mind that you may find an equally good or better. WP-Ban has the ability to block users based on their IP address and other information such as the URL, for example.
In case you have misclicked on one of the links related to Ranksonic(.)biz, make sure to use an advanced anti-malware scanner to check whether or not our system has been compromised by malware. Virus experts recommend scanning your computer more than once since some cyber-threats may regenerate.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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How to Remove Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam (Windows).
Get rid of Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam (Mac)
Remove Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam will be removed.
Eliminate Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam-FAQ
What Is Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam?
The Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam Work?
Once installed, Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Ranksonic(.)biz Referral Spam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.