Strange Referring URL in Client Stats

[greeneagle]

This URL: www.thebestofnet.com/cgi-bin/topsecret.cgi?6743452643 is showing up as one of my client's www.tubeltechnologies.com top 20 URL referrers along with the other search engines, 14 times this month so far. How are they doing this? and does it really benefit them? Do they only get aggravated webmasters and Site owners to visit? What the heck happens here? THis is not the first, only the latest. Is there a way to stop them from leeching?, Is it even necessary or just a mute point?

I am sure this cgi leeching method or whatever it is has been discussed here before, but if so I can't find it. Sure would like some help with this issue!

Thanks,
Ken

[bhartzer]

This is typical, it's called log file spam. There are bots that visit sites just to put their url into your log files as a referrer, hoping that you'll visit.

Personally, I think it's a pretty desperate attempt to get traffic.

[greeneagle]

bhartzer,
Any way to stop it?
Ken

[bhartzer]

Sure, it can be done in an .htaccess file.

I sent you a PM about it.

[greeneagle]

Thanks,

I got it, will play as soon as possible - appreciate your time!
Ken