What does two-factor authentication primarily enhance?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) primarily enhances security for user authentication by requiring users to provide two different forms of identification before gaining access to an account or system. This method significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, as it adds an additional layer of security beyond just a password. Typically, this involves something the user knows (like a password) and something the user has (like a mobile device for receiving a code or a physical hardware token).

By implementing two-factor authentication, even if a password is compromised, an attacker would still need the second factor to gain access, which greatly mitigates the chance of unauthorized entry. This makes accounts more secure against common threats such as phishing, where a user may inadvertently share their password with a malicious entity.