What aspect of cybersecurity does two-factor authentication primarily enhance?

Two-factor authentication primarily enhances user identity verification by requiring individuals to provide two distinct forms of identification before gaining access to a system or account. This process typically involves something the user knows, such as a password, combined with something the user has, such as a smartphone or security token that generates a one-time code. By implementing this additional layer of security, the system significantly lowers the risk of unauthorized access, as an attacker would need both pieces of information to successfully breach the account.

While data encryption techniques focus on protecting data in transit or at rest from unauthorized access, and network performance tracking deals with monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of a network, they do not directly relate to verifying a user's identity. Similarly, physical security measures pertain to protecting physical assets and locations rather than the verification of digital identities. Thus, user identity verification stands out as the primary enhancement achieved through the use of two-factor authentication within cybersecurity practices.