Updated June 2025
Multi-Factor Authentication(MFA) is now required by most security standards and regulatory frameworks, such as PCI DSS 4.0, HIPAA, and the latest SEC and NIST guidelines. MFA strengthens security, supports compliance, and helps eliminate password-only login risks. However, despite its benefits, MFA still comes with well-known challenges.
These include:
- Increased login time when using out-of-band factors such as SMS OTP or tokens
- Complex deployment and integration
- Dependence on third-party systems that can malfunction
- High ongoing maintenance and operational costs
The factors used in multi-factor authentication can be grouped based on the following criteria: knowledge, possession, and inherence based. Companies must take into consideration the most suitable ones not only to
Additionally, with new regulations and mounting security risks, many organizations are banning the use of personal phones (BYOD) for MFA. This trend creates a growing need for secure, non-intrusive, and phone-free alternatives—like TypingDNA Verify 2FA.
TypingDNA Verify 2FA is a modern, lightweight second factor that doesn’t rely on a phone or token. Instead, users authenticate by typing a short, randomly generated phrase. This verifies their identity based on how they type, without friction.
Factors used in MFA: drawbacks and considerations
MFA typically combines factors across three categories:
- Something you know – passwords, PINs
- Something you have – tokens, smartcards, mobile devices
- Something you are – biometrics, including behavioral traits like typing
Let’s explore the pros and cons of each.
Something you know – Passwords or passphrases
Passwords have been around since ancient times and were adapted for computing in the 1960s at MIT. Today, most people still choose weak passwords that are easy to guess, making them vulnerable. Even complex passwords are difficult to remember and manage at scale. Passwords stored in centralized systems also represent attractive targets for cyber attackers.
In corporate environments, relying solely on passwords is risky and outdated. A proper MFA setup includes at least one additional layer to provide real protection.
Something you have – Tokens or mobile phones
This method relies on possession of a physical object, such as a key fob, OTP token, access card, or SIM-equipped smartphone.
But these are easy to lose, forget, or steal. Hardware tokens are costly to deploy and maintain. Mobile-based authentication introduces privacy concerns and regulatory risks, especially as BYOD becomes increasingly restricted in enterprise settings.
TypingDNA Verify 2FA solves this: no physical devices are needed. No SMS, no token, no smartphone. Just a keyboard.
Something you are – Biometric and behavioral factors
Biometric authentication is based on unique individual traits, such as fingerprints, facial scans, or typing behavior. While hardware-based biometrics (fingerprint readers, facial scanners) require specialized devices and raise privacy concerns, behavioral biometrics like typing patterns are far less invasive.
TypingDNA’s Verify 2FA uses typing biometrics to identify users based on their unique typing style. It’s private, fast, and easy to use on any standard keyboard—making it ideal for both desktops and web applications.
MFA with typing biometrics: the best no-phone alternative
TypingDNA Verify 2FA reduces friction and removes dependence on phones. Users simply type a 4-word phrase—authentication happens instantly based on how they type it. This makes it the perfect second factor for regulated environments where BYOD is restricted or prohibited.
Benefits include:
- ✅ No tokens or phones required
- ✅ Seamless OIDC integration with most IAM platforms
- ✅ Low maintenance and easy deployment
- ✅ Strong second factor
Read more about TypingDNA Verify 2FA or watch the video below.