However, Tor is also designed to be fully compatible with the surface web. This is, of course, great from a privacy perspective, particularly for anyone who enjoys an occasional foray into the deep web. That makes it almost impossible to determine which users requested what data, like a series of anonymous VPNs. The Tor browser sends and receives 512-byte data cells through randomly selected routers, each of which is only online for a short period of time. The oblique way data is transmitted to client terminals makes exact statistical analysis difficult, since anonymity is a cornerstone of Tor. Tor now claims to have 4.5 million directly connecting users, though this figure is an educated guess. Our growing distrust of online service providers did, however, benefit the Tor browser, whose user numbers almost trebled during 2017.

From high-profile hacks at Verizon and Equifax to spying accusations and cryptocurrency theft, public confidence in the privacy and sanctity of online information took a battering.

It’s safe to say 2017 wasn’t a good year for cybersecurity.

Tor broswer size