The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model splits network communication into seven layers, each with a specific job. It is a conceptual model, not a protocol, but it gives security professionals a shared vocabulary: saying 'this is a Layer 2 attack' or 'we need a Layer 7 firewall' immediately tells colleagues what is involved. Security+ uses the layers to describe where attacks occur and which controls work there. A common memory aid from Layer 1 upward is 'Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away'.
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