Which layer of the OSI model does encryption typically occur?

Encryption typically occurs at the transport layer of the OSI model. At this layer, protocols such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) operate to provide secure communication over a computer network. These protocols are designed to encrypt the data being transmitted between devices to ensure its confidentiality and integrity during transit.

The transport layer is responsible for providing end-to-end communication services for applications. By implementing encryption here, it effectively protects the data flows without requiring changes to the applications themselves. This is crucial because as long as both the sender and receiver support the encryption protocol, they can securely exchange data.

Additionally, while encryption can also take place at other layers, such as the application layer (for example, certain applications incorporating encryption directly), the transport layer is the most common framework for achieving end-to-end security for applications utilizing network services. Thus, the transport layer is recognized as the preferred layer for encryption in network protocols, ensuring broader compatibility and security across different types of applications and services.