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 1-free-share-buttons(.)com 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:
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
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} ^http://.*sharebutton \.to/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^http://.*sharebuttons \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^http://.*sharebutton \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^http://.*sharebutton \.net/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^http://.*sharebuttons \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^http://.* 1-free-share-buttons \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^http://.* http://.* 1-free-share-buttons \-for\-website\.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^http://.*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.
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.
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 has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Preparation before removing 1-free-share-buttons(.)com.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove 1-free-share-buttons(.)com
Step 2: 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:
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.Step 3: Find files created by 1-free-share-buttons(.)com
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
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
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by 1-free-share-buttons(.)com.
Ransomware infections and 1-free-share-buttons(.)com aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software.
Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
- Stellar Data Recovery Technicians License(Pro version with more features)
- Stellar Windows Data Recovery
- Stellar Photo Recovery
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors.
If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
Method 3: Using Shadow Explorer
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Instructions on How to Find Decryption Key for Files Encrypted By Ransowmare
Video containing step-by-step removal and file recovery instructions for 1-free-share-buttons(.)com:
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Preparation before removing 1-free-share-buttons(.)com.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove 1-free-share-buttons(.)com
Step 2: 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:
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.Step 3: Find files created by 1-free-share-buttons(.)com
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
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
Video containing step-by-step removal and file recovery instructions for 1-free-share-buttons(.)com:
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Preparation before removing 1-free-share-buttons(.)com.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.Step 2: Clean your Browsers from 1-free-share-buttons(.)com.
Remove an extension from Mozilla Firefox
Remove an extension from Google Chrome
Remove an extension from Internet Explorer
Remove an extension from Microsoft Edge
2. Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu.
3. Select the unwanted extension and click “Remove“
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.
2. Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions“
3. From the opened “Extensions” menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its “Remove” button.
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.
2. Click on the gear icon labeled ‘Tools’ to open the drop menu and select ‘Manage Add-ons’
3. In the ‘Manage Add-ons’ window.
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’.
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.
2. Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
3. From the drop menu select “Extensions”.
4. Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
5. Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
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:
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.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
Video, containing step-by-step removal instructions for 1-free-share-buttons(.)com:
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Preparation Phase:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
Step 1: Uninstall 1-free-share-buttons(.)com and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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”.
Step 2: Remove 1-free-share-buttons(.)com – related extensions from your Mac’s browsers
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla FirefoxRemove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Step 3: 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. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video, containing step by step removal instructions for 1-free-share-buttons(.)com:
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
