by Ventsislav Krastev | April 24, 2017 | 0 Comments Google Analytics, phishing, Referral Spam, scam

Threat Summary Sharebutton Domains – Blocking In Google Analytics Instructions Video

This article aims to show various methods on how to block referral traffic from 1-free-share-buttons(.)com which redirects to Sharebutton(.)net spam domain.

New referral traffic associated with the domain 1-free-share-buttons(.)com has been reported to devaluate the statistics of websites via multiple spammed messages on them. This and several other domains have reportedly all been associated with the Sharebutton referral spam domain. If you keep reading this article, you will understand how to block the related domains so that your analytics data is safe from being devaluated.

Threat Summary

Name	1-free-share-buttons(.)com
Type	Referral Spam
Short Description	Aims to get the users of a website, click on a URL that causes a browser redirect to the Sharebutton websites, advertising embed links.
Symptoms	The user may witness the spam on various places of the site, such as comment sections, forum replies and other user content.
Distribution Method	Most often via spammed URL’s cause by spambots. Bundling or unwanted software as well as spammed advertisements also a scenario. Even possible via malware.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss 1-free-share-buttons(.)com.

Sharebutton Domains – Blocking In Google Analytics Instructions Video

1-free-share-buttons(.)com Spam – How Did I Get It

Spam, originating from 1-free-share-buttons(.)com and related domains is generally divided in two types:

Type 1 – Web Crawlers

These type of spammed URLs are also known as spiders or crawlers. The primary reason for that is the bots crawl set of pre-configured web pages, most likely researched previously be the spammers. One tool to research them is called Google Dorking(https://sensorstechforum.com/drupal-ransomware-uses-sql-injection-lock-drupal-websites/) which is also used by some web-based ransomware infections. Google Dorking includes checking websites for different criteria, such as:

Bugs and vulnerable site files.
Exploits allowing hackers to bypass captcha via the spam bots.
Websites that have different vulnerable directories or secret such.
Sites that have unsecured servers in terms of spam.
Sites that have specific traffic criteria.

Based on this and other information, the spammers may pre-program the spam bot to look for specific websites to spam. However, using web crawlers is generally a spam method that does not have a very long lifecycle and while massive, the spam stops once a domain or host IP addresses associated with the spam bot are flagged.

Type 2 – Ghost Referrals

Ghost Referrer spam, also known as Ghost Referral is reported to be more sophisticated than your average web crawler. This is due to the fact that this type of spam takes advantage of the HTTP protocol which allows the bot to spam while not even being logically present in the site, without even having to enter captcha and other security passes. Experts claim that this type of spam can quickly devaluate the website statistics and may still be present after being blocked, like an invisible ghost sitting there.

Whatever the case may be, the referral spam associated with the 1-free-share-buttons(.)com domains is not to be underestimated. It’s purposes may be many, including spreading phishing web links to get users to type their financial, personal information or even spread malicious web links. Such web links may cause redirects which could infect your computer with malware in the worst case scenario.

1-free-share-buttons(.)com – More About It

Being a part of the classified as riskydomain family, sharebuttons websites are continuing to gain popularity and global ranking with approximately 30% of their users being from India and many users from countries all over the world, including the United States.

After visiting such a web link, it usually causes a redirect to one of the primary Sharebuttons(.net) domains, which has an embed code for your website:

Such codes link to the .org domains and also has a JavaScript in it which is essentially buttons for sharing content on a given web page on the social media networks, such as Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, LinkedIn, VK and others. Since the script may or may not be of a phishing character it is strongly suggested not to use the embed code for your website.

How to Block 1-free-share-buttons(.)com And Other Associated Domains

Since referral spam aims to get people who visit your website to visit other websites, like the Sharebutton domains, it may also cause other negative effects for your site, such as:

Equalize or rise your website traffic statistics, making it useless.
Allow Google to classify your website further behind, because of spam content.

These and other negative consequences are the primary reasons why you should follow the below-provided instructions to block various domains associated with the Sharebutton network on your computer:

1: Filtering 1-free-share-buttons(.)com in Google Analytics

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 – 1-free-share-buttons(.)com

Step 6: Select Views to Apply Filter.

Step 7: Save the filter, by clicking on the ‘Save’ button.

You are done! Congratulations!

Also, make sure you check out these several methods to help you further block out this referrer spam from Google Analytics:

More Methods To Stop Spam Bots and Spiders In Google Analytics

2: Block 1-free-share-buttons(.)com from Your Server.

In case you have a server that is Apache HTTP Server, you may want to try the following commands to block 1-free-share-buttons(.)com domains in the .htaccess file:

RewriteEngine on

RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*sharebutton \.to/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*sharebuttons \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*sharebutton \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*sharebutton \.net/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*sharebuttons \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* 1-free-share-buttons \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* https://.* 1-free-share-buttons \-for\-website\.com/ [NC,OR]

RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*sharebutton \-for\-website\.to/ [NC,OR]

RewriteRule ^(.*)$ – [F,L]

Also here is a web link to some spam URLs being blacklisted from other servers:

Ultimate Referrer Blacklist by Perishablepress.com

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.

3: Stop 1-free-share-buttons(.)com 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.

Also, in case you feel like you may have clicked and been redirected to one of the domains mentioned in the spam message, and you believe your system may be compromised, you should scan your computer with a particular anti-malware tool. Downloading such software will also make sure your computer is safe against any future intrusions as well.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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.

How to Remove 1-free-share-buttons(.)com from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove 1-free-share-buttons(.)com

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall 1-free-share-buttons(.)com 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by 1-free-share-buttons(.)com on your computer.

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 1-free-share-buttons(.)com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for 1-free-share-buttons(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of 1-free-share-buttons(.)com from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall 1-free-share-buttons(.)com and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to 1-free-share-buttons(.)com:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to 1-free-share-buttons(.)com. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. 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 1-free-share-buttons(.)com. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 1-free-share-buttons(.)com 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as 1-free-share-buttons(.)com. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 1-free-share-buttons(.)com files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as 1-free-share-buttons(.)com, 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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for 1-free-share-buttons(.)com:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove 1-free-share-buttons(.)com 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase 1-free-share-buttons(.)com 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall 1-free-share-buttons(.)com 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove 1-free-share-buttons(.)com 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 1-free-share-buttons(.)com will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate 1-free-share-buttons(.)com 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.