Referral spam has been causing quite the havoc during the holidays, according to security experts. Researchers claim that this may be due to the increased spending in online retailer stores primarily for winter presents. One particular referrer spam that redirects to a phishing website of the notorious AliExpress.com is called Rusexy(.)xyz and experts advise that it should be blocked, tutorial for which we have below, since it may damage Google Analytics data of your website and even affect some users or cause a legitimate site it is spamming to be flagged as unsafe.
| Name | Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam |
| Type | Referral Spam |
| Short Description | The domain may cause one or more malicious redirects to different websites. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness primarily redirects to what may be a phishing wesbite of an online store as well as redirects to other online retailer suspicious websites that may aim for his/her information or money or to infect the user PC with malware. |
| Distribution Method | Via Spam bots (Web Crawlers and Ghost Referrers) |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss about Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam. |
Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam – How Is It Spread
Researchers have established two main methodss of such spam spreading:
Method 1: Ghost Referrer Spam
This type of spam is spread via special software that takes advantage of the HTTP data passing through. Researchers report that the spam is even able to be sent out while the bot itself is not even present on the website, making it more durable. However, it can still be blocked, but despite that there is no guarantee that it will be successful.
Method 2: Web Crawlers (Spiders)
Web Crawlers otherwise known as spiders are the less aggressive type of spam. They are named like this because this type of spam crawls the searching for various sites based on certain criteria. Crawler spam usually backs away immediately after it has been flagged. However it can be combined with Ghost Referrer spam if the spammer is experienced in coding such software.
Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam – More about It
Except the original domain which at the time of writing this might redirect to a phishing website, resembling Aliexpress, users may encounter other web-links such as Rusexy(.)xyz/2132d2323d2 or 0d20dh2d023rusexy(.)xyz in the spam messages that could lead to suspicious online locations.
As visible the only differences between the original Aliexpress and the phishing onemay be the longer web link and the different site content, such as deals and promotions which ran out and are not active in the original website. These are very difficult to notice by an inexperienced user and that is why it is very important to be on the lookout for such symptoms related to Rusexy(.)xyz redirect.
These are the dangers for the users, but what may happen for a website publisher? Very simple, in case you are such, you may notice a sudden spike in your GA data that may further devaluate it and make research based on it impossible. This is very bad when it comes to small start-up websites and underdeveloped ones because it may quickly corrupt their data and if not paid attention to may cause Google to ban such websites for having malicious links.
How to Get Rid of Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam
There are several methods to get rid of this referral spam from your website. We have suggested the main three methods to do it on your server(Apache), WordPress and GA plus more instructions for Google Analytics spam blocking in this article:
More Methods To Stop Spam Bots and Spiders In Google Analytics
In order to remove this referral spam completely, make sure to follow the after-mentioned instructions:
Method 1: Filtering Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam 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 – Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam
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 Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam from your server.
In case you have a server that is Apache HTTP Server, you may want to try the following commands to block Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam domains in the .htaccess file:
RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*Rusexy \.xyz/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.*Rusexy \-for\-website\.xyz/ [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.
Method 3 – Stop Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam 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.
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 Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
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 Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam (Windows).
Get rid of Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam (Mac)
Remove Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam will be removed.
Eliminate Rusexy(.)xyz 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".
Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam-FAQ
What Is Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam?
The Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam Work?
Once installed, Rusexy(.)xyz 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.
Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz 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 Rusexy(.)xyz Referral Spam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.