Which OSI layer manages the encryption and decryption of data?

The Presentation Layer is responsible for the encryption and decryption of data within the OSI model. This layer acts as a translator between the application layer and the lower layers, ensuring that data is in a usable format for the receiving application. It handles data formatting, representation, and encryption, which includes establishing protocols for secure data transmission.

Encryption at this layer ensures that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access during transmission. By converting the data into a secure format, it helps maintain confidentiality and integrity, which are critical components of cybersecurity.

In contrast, the Application Layer focuses on providing network services directly to end-user applications, such as email or file transfer, but it does not handle the specifics of data encryption. The Data Link Layer primarily manages node-to-node data transfer and does not engage with the contents of the data. Lastly, the Transport Layer is responsible for ensuring complete data transfer, including flow control and error recovery, but does not inherently manage data encryption or decryption. The dedicated functions of the Presentation Layer in securing data through encryption cement its role as the correct choice for this question.