Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for encryption?

The Presentation Layer, which is the sixth layer of the OSI model, is responsible for data formatting and transformation, which includes encryption and decryption processes. This layer ensures that data is presented in a way that the application layer above can understand, providing services such as data compression, translation, and encryption.

Encryption is essential for securing data as it travels across networks, and the Presentation Layer's role in handling these transformations is crucial. By managing how data is encoded or encrypted, this layer allows for secure communication by protecting data from unauthorized access during transmission.

This means that when data needs to be encrypted before it is sent over a network, it is the Presentation Layer that processes this encryption, ensuring that the encoded data can only be interpreted by the designated recipient who possesses the appropriate decryption mechanism. Thus, the association of encryption with the Presentation Layer aligns well with its fundamental functions within the OSI model.