It is the season of referrer spam that affects statistics and annoys website publishers. Security experts have managed to identify that referral spam is in open season during the cold days of the year. Users and publishers both are strongly advised if they come across this suspicious referral site to filter it out and scan their computer for malware in case they visited it.
| Name | Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam |
| Type | Malicious domain being spammed by Referrer Spams |
| Short Description | The domain 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 Snip.to links (For example Traffic2cash(.)net/?hrefasdi9/). By being redirected to it via a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) 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 Traffic2cash(.)net Referrer Spam. |
Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam – What Does It Do?
Traffic2cash referrer spam is also familiar as log spam or referrer bombing and it has been made mainly to drive users to click on the referral links and hence generate hoax traffic to vendor or affiliate websites.
When we analyse Traffic2cash(.)net it was established that it may be an affiliate marketing scheme. This is due to the fact that the website redirects to an online referral advertising site, called adzos.com. It is essentially an advertising network and it has referral programs for website publishers.
But do not be fooled by what is being offered. Links connected to traffic2cash.net are reported in the spam messages of many websites both huge and small (for example traffic2cash.net/sjd2d29dsd0q9-23h/) leading to unknown third-party websites. Some third-party sites may conceal different risks for an average visitor of your website if the spam message is successfully seen:
- Malicious URLs that may be dangerous to PCs.
- Fake retailer stores that resemble famous online retailers however they may be phishing for user’s personal and financial information.
- Fake error pop-ups advertising sites that promote software only aiming to scare users into paying money to fix the problem over a phone call with fake tech support representatives.
- Fake surveys that phish for financial or personal user information.
- Rogue antivirus software.
These may be only half of the risks for a website’s users. Additionally the referral spam creates headaches for website publishers as well, especially for beginner websites.
Here are some of the dangers referrer spam can cause for website publishers:
- Website`s analytic data devaluation.
- Difficult to remove, persistent reappearing for a long time on the website.
- It may intercept information through the free HTTP exchange.
If the spam is massive from many vendors it may cause the hosting server to crash and the website to be taken down (it is recommended to use external server services with higher capacity such as Amazon Services, for example).
Referrer spam has been classified as being two main types:
1st Type: Spam by crawlers
This particular type of spam ‘crawls’ the web in search for spam opportunities. Usually such lie in the face of different websites that are not entirely developed, not frequently monitored or with low traffic. Since the analytics data on such sites may be low on number such spam may devaluate it very fast.
As for the spam’s aggressiveness it is important to bear in mind that it is dependent on the spammer. Some spammers back away straight after the first report, but there are those who continue to develop their spams to continue flooding blogs and forums.
2nd Type: Ghost Referrer Spam
This particular type of spam causes most headaches to website publishers. It is the preferred choice due to its anonymity and one of its characteristics – it has the ability to remain non-flagged and undetected for a longer periods of time. The secret behind this is that the spamming software uses technology that allows it to post spam messages on a website while it is not even present on the website being spammed.
Experts like Ben Davis at vidget.com claim that spammers may take advantage via the free HTTP connection more particularly exploits in it.
This enables spammers to conduct maximum amount of spam messages for longer periods of time than if they used web crawlers. Some spammers may even be able to use blank HTTP requests in order to focus on specific analytics data and to allow the modification of search results.
Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam – How To Protect Yourself from It?
When it comes to referral spam the protection is basically very similar. You need to ad filters in google analytics and if the spam is persistent, you may also want to check out some of the instructions suggested below to help you block out this nasty spam and save further headaches.
Before starting any spam filtering from Traffic2cash(.)net, please check out this spam blacklist that was posted online. It may help prevent future spammers from conducting their campaigns on your website:
https://github.com/piwik/referrer-spam-blacklist/blob/master/spammers.txt
Here are several methods to block out Traffic2cash(.)net Referrer spam:
Method 1: Google Analytics
You can always try to block all of the domains associated with this website (.info, .net., .com, etc.).
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 – Traffic2cash(.)net
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/
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 Traffic2cash(.)net domains in the .htaccess file:
RewriteEngine on RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* Traffic2cash.\.ru/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* Traffic2cash \.org/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* Traffic2cash \.info/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* Traffic2cash \.co/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* Traffic2cash \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* Traffic2cash \-for\-website\.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* adzos \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* adzos.\.ru/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* adzos \.org/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* adzos \.info/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* adzos \.co/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* adzos \.com/ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* adzos \-for\-website\.com/ RewriteRule ^(.*)$ – [F,L]
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} ^https://.* Traffic2cash \.com/ [NC,OR]
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 referral 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 been redirected to or personally visited URLs by Traffic2cash(.)com it is advisable to user advanced anti-malware scanner to check whether or not your machine has been infected with malware since this service may advartise all sorts of concealed dangers. Security engineers recomend performing more than one system scan for maximum effectiveness.
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 Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam (Windows).
Get rid of Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam (Mac)
Remove Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam will be removed.
Eliminate Traffic2cash(.)net 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".
Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam-FAQ
What Is Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam?
The Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam Work?
Once installed, Traffic2cash(.)net 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.
Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net 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 Traffic2cash(.)net Referral Spam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.