Referrer spam has been the cause of many website publishers` headaches lately. There have been many websites that have experienced problems with their analytics due to such spamming software. It is primarily conducted by the so called spam bots that are programmed to do different activities like stay undetected or crawl the web to look for websites to spam based on specific criteria. What is more, such adf.ly shortened links may be either parts of pay-per click schemes or be sites that may be scamming or malware containing. Either way it is highly recommended to stay away from spam messages that contain this web link due to the third-party risk involved.
| Name | Adf.ly Spam Links |
| Type | Malicious domains being spammed by Referrer Spammers via adf.ly |
| Short Description | The domains 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 adf.ly links (For example adf(.)ly/?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 Adf.ly Referrer Spam. |
Adf.ly Referral Spam – What Does It Do?
This type of referral spam aims to use the legitimate adf.ly link shortening service that pays the person who shared the link per a user click. So as far as adf.ly is concerned they even report the spammers who use their services to spam via their URL shortening service. So adf.ly is NOT the one who spams you.
Back to the referrer spam, it is mainly two types:
Web Crawlers or Spiders
This type of spam is less aggressive since the bots are usually programmed to back away after being flagged by the certain website in order for them not to jeopardize the spamming operation this way. The name crawlers is there because the bot essentially crawl through websites and select which ones to spam based on various criteria. An example may be captcha which is easy to bypass, websites with low traffic and others.
Ghost Referrers
Ghost referral spam is a more sophisticated type of spamming attack because the software itself is reported by researchers like Ben Travis at viget.com to connect via using the HTTP pass through packets and hence spam without even being physically located on the website. What is more such spam attacks may be very hard to remove and may devalate your Google Analytics data very fast.
Curious fact
But bear in mind that there are very talented spammers that even outsource certain activites of their spam via services such as the former odesk.com. What they do is that they recruit odesk employees who have fast typing skills in order to pay them for a captcha test experiment or manual website captcha confirmations. What actually may happen Is that the user enters the captcha Identification that is required for the bot to bypass the defense and start spamming. This makes captcha defense utterly useless.
Protecting Yoursef from Adf.ly Referral Spam
In case you are a website administrator, you should look forward to the methods below, but bear in mind that they will block ALL adf.ly links and even users who are legitimate may not be able to post adf.ly content to your website. One way to counter this is to block the spammers by IP address but most spam bots use different proxy and VPN services so it is not a complete solution. We have suggested three methods below plus you can see more instructions in the article linked below:
Method 1: Filtering Adf.ly Spam 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 – adf.ly
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:
https://sensorstechforum.com/exclude-all-hits-from-known-bots-and-spiders-in-google-analytics/
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 Apache HTTP Server, you may want to try the following commands to block domains in the .htaccess file:
RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*adf \.ly/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*adf \-for\-website\.ly/ [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.
Disclaimer: Bear in mind that Adf.ly is a completely legitimate service and you should focus on blocking the spammers by IP address instead of domain. Blocking adf.ly may prefent users to link reputable locations. However, if your website does not use adf.ly links except on spam messages, you should act towards its removal.
When it comes to protecting yourself from spam links going together with shortened URLs it is important to check whether or not any of the PCs in your organisation has been infected with malware. Also, if you or any other users you know have visited such links it is highly advisable to download an advanced anti-malware program that will perform such check automatically.
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 Adf.ly Spam Links from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Adf.ly Spam Links with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links (Windows).
Get rid of Adf.ly Spam Links from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links. 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 Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Adf.ly Spam Links, 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 Adf.ly Spam Links (Mac)
Remove Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links will be removed.
Eliminate Adf.ly Spam Links 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".
Adf.ly Spam Links-FAQ
What Is Adf.ly Spam Links?
The Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links?
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 Adf.ly Spam Links?
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 Adf.ly Spam Links Work?
Once installed, Adf.ly Spam Links 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.
Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Adf.ly Spam Links 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 Adf.ly Spam Links?
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 Adf.ly Spam Links threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.