iSACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certification Practice Exam

Which of these layers is responsible for formatting and encrypting data in the OSI model?

1. Application Layer

2. Presentation Layer

3. Data Link Layer

4. Transport Layer

The correct answer is: Presentation Layer

The presentation layer in the OSI model plays a crucial role in the formatting and encryption of data. This layer is responsible for translating the data between the application layer and the network, ensuring that data is presented in a usable format. It manages how data is represented to the user, including character encoding, data compression, and encryption, providing a crucial intermediary function that allows diverse systems to communicate effectively. By formatting data, the presentation layer translates between different data formats that various applications may use, ensuring compatibility. Additionally, encryption at this layer secures the data being transmitted, safeguarding it from unauthorized access during transmission. This level of handling ensures that the data remains intact and confidential as it moves through different layers of the network. In contrast, the application layer focuses on the end-user's interaction with the software applications, while the transport layer is responsible for the reliable delivery of data segments. The data link layer operates at a lower level, handling raw data transfer between devices on the same local network without concern for data formatting or encryption. Hence, the responsibilities of these other layers are distinct from those of the presentation layer, which specifically handles data formatting and encryption.