Block 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam In Google Analytics

by Ventsislav Krastev | November 24, 2015 | 0 Comments Google Analytics, scam, spam

1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam – What is it 1webmaster(.)ml Referrer Spam In Detail Blocking 1webmaster(.)ml Referrer Spam

Referrer spam mentioning the domain 1webmaster(.)ml has increased recently, security experts report. What is more, this particular type of spam is believed to be more sophisticated and persistent. The website 1websmaster(.)ml is reported to advertise spam bots and other software of this type. In case you have been redirected to an external website by one of 1webmaster`s URLs, it is highly recommended to act swiftly and scan your computer for malware since the nature of some third-party websites advertised may be dangerous to you. In case you are a website publisher you should make sure to use the tutorials below to block this referral spam permanently.

Name	1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam
Type	Referrer Spam
Short Description	This type of spam may corrupt Google Analytics data. It often redirects to third-party websites.
Symptoms	The website publisher experiences a suddens spike in Google Analytics traffic chart.
Distribution Method	Via Spam Bots (Web Crawlers or Ghost Bots)
Detection Tool	Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
User Experience	Join our forum to discuss about 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam.

1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam – What is it

This particular referral spam is used to generate traffic to other websites. The websites to which links such as

1webmaster(.)ml/a2183ydy82/

may redirect to may be of any of the following categories:

Phishing website that resembles another notorious websites (mostly online retailers like eBay, Amazon, etc.) and steals information via user data upon registration or payment.
Scamming websites such as fake surveys, fake tech support scams, fake giveaways and others.
Malicious URLs that may directly infect the user with malware.

The referral spam may also lead to other websites who may wish to boost their traffic very fast. This service is generously paid for by vendors and it is a very effective way to boost traffic. However, the downside is for websites who are being spammed. Google analytics data from such sites may suddenly fluctuate such as the one seen below and hence devaluate the research data.

Generally the referrer spam is categorized into two main categories.

Category 1 – Crawlers

Web crawlers are also known as spiders and they carry these nicknames because the software basically crawls the web very fast whilst searching for websites that represent a good spam opportunity. This particular type of spam is very effective against undeveloped sites or ones with low traffic. The spam itself is not very well known to be persistent. It may immediately stop spamming your website after 1 flag or block. It really depends on what it has been configured to do by the spammers and how skillful they are.

Category 2 – Ghost Referrer Spam

Ghost referrer spam is a sophisticated spam attack because it uses several different features that enable it to remain hidden for as long as possible. Ben Davis, a researcher at vidget.com indicates that this type of spam might have the ability to target different analytics of a website and take advantage of the free HTTP data transfer passing through. This may enable it to do the previously mentioned plus spam from distance i.e. spam while not being in the website itself. This makes the ban of the spam bot increasingly difficult.

Generally, referrer spam has the primary goal of driving hoax traffic to third-party websites so most spammers to not mind what type are the online locations they redirect to. This is why it is advisable for both users and web publishers to stay away from 1webmaster(.)ml.

1webmaster(.)ml Referrer Spam In Detail

The web link itself 1webmaster(.)ml is reported to advertise several different suspicious software and even spam bots itself:

Since such programs are often regarded as illegitimate and such sites are usually flagged. This is particularly bad for websites which are being spammed because they may be banned from Google for having such potentially hazardous links within them.

Blocking 1webmaster(.)ml Referrer Spam

In order to completely block out referrer spam by 1webmaster(.)ml it is important to isolate it from any aspect, not just in Google Analytics. Here we have suggested several methods plus click on this link for more instructions:

https://sensorstechforum.com/exclude-all-hits-from-known-bots-and-spiders-in-google-analytics/

Method 1: Filtering 1webmaster(.)ml 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 – 1webmaster(.)ml
Step 6: Select Views to Apply Filter.
Step 7: Save the filter, by clicking on the ‘Save’ button.
You are done! Congratulations!

We have also researched the following methods to remove this spam:

Method 2: Block it from your server.

In case you have a server that is an Apache HTTP Server, you may want to try the following commands to block 1webmaster(.)ml domains in the .htaccess file:
RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*1webmaster \.ml/ [NC,OR]

RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*1webmaster \.ru/ [NC,OR]

RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*1webmaster \.org/ [NC,OR]

RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*1webmaster \.info/ [NC,OR]

RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* 1webmaster \.com/ [NC,OR]

RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* 1webmaster \.to/ [NC,OR]

RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* 1webmaster \-for\-website\.to/ [NC,OR] RewriteRule ^(.*)$ – [F,L]

Also here is a web link to some spam URLs being blacklisted from other servers:
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 visited the website it is highly advisable to use an advanced anti-malware tool in order to check your computer for any intrusions.

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 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam

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 1webmaster(.)ml 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:

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 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam 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 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam 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 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam 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 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam 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 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam:

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 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam. 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 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam. 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 1webmaster(.)ml 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:

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 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam. 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 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as 1webmaster(.)ml 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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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

Remove 1webmaster(.)ml 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.

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

Erase 1webmaster(.)ml 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.

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

Uninstall 1webmaster(.)ml 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.

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

Remove 1webmaster(.)ml 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 1webmaster(.)ml Referral Spam 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 1webmaster(.)ml 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.