IBM Aspera Connect

Enables high-speed Aspera transfers.

IBM Aspera Connect is a Chrome extension designed to enable high-speed transfers using the IBM Aspera platform. It works in conjunction with the IBM Aspera Connect desktop application (version 3.9.0 or newer) to move large files rapidly from your computer to an IBM Aspera server. Leveraging the FASP protocol, it delivers file transfer speeds significantly faster than traditional TCP/IP methods. Users must have an Aspera server account to utilize this service. The extension activates only on sites integrating IBM Aspera for file transfers and ensures privacy by not reading or storing any personal information.

By:
IBM Aspera
Users:
900,000+
Rating:
1.65
(126)
0.01
Version:
5.0.0 Last updated: 2022-11-17
Creation date:
2020-02-20
Risk:
Moderate risk impact Moderate risk likelihood
Permissions:
  • nativeMessaging
  • activeTab
  • storage
  • scripting
Host permissions:
  • http://*/*
  • https://*/*
Size:
85.50K
Email:
as*****@ibm.com
Full description:
See detailed description
Source:
Chrome Web Store
Updated:
2 days ago

Other platforms

IBM Aspera Connect (v4.1.1.1)
44,462+ 3.52 (48)
IBM Aspera Connect (v4.1.1.1)
494,560+ 3.20 (30)

Publisher Change History

2025-02-05: Email was changed from As*****@wwpdl.vnet.ibm.com to as*****@ibm.com

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User reviews

Users frequently report that IBM Aspera Connect requires both the browser extension and desktop app for proper functionality, leading to confusion. Many experience installation challenges and unreliable performance. The interface is often described as unintuitive, complex, and frustrating to use. Connectivity problems and lack of effective support exacerbate the issues. Despite these drawbacks, some users note it works well if everyone has the proper setup and appreciate that transfers can be monitored without keeping the browser open.
Pros
  • Works well when desktop app is also installed
  • Allows monitoring transfers without keeping the browser active
  • Functions adequately if all users and servers are up-to-date and properly configured
Cons
  • Requires installation of both browser extension and desktop application, causing confusion
  • Difficult to install and often fails to work properly
  • User interface and usability are unintuitive and complicated
  • Causes connectivity issues and unpredictable behavior
  • Help documentation and support links are ineffective or nonexistent
Recent reviews
This browser extension works fine, but the desktop application that's also required is becoming bloated. Firewall issues also seem to confuse a lot of people, but there are help pages for those who can be bothered to look.
by Michael Swarbrick, 2025-05-13

Why do I need to install browser spyware to install desktop spyware? This makes zero sense. Absolute bloat software with way too many permissions. If I didn't have to install this for work, I would never touch it.
by Zach Eragon, 2025-04-29

This is a junk ap and do not depend on it for anything, even the help link doesnt work
by LT Dan, 2025-04-21
View all user reviews ›

Extension safety

Risk impact

IBM Aspera Connect requires a few sensitive permissions. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details
  • Critical Allows access to all websites, posing a significant security risk as it can monitor and modify data from any visited site.
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Risk likelihood

IBM Aspera Connect is probably trust-worthy. Prefer other publishers if available. Exercise caution when installing this extension.

Risk likelihood analysis details
  • Medium This extension has bad user ratings
  • Low **** ********* *** ******* **** **** * ****** **** ***** ******** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
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Upgrade to see full risk analysis details

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