In the age of AI-powered account takeovers, typing-based authentication offers more than just a phone-free alternative to traditional 2FA.
We tend to think of two-factor authentication as the extra protection that keeps our accounts safe when passwords are compromised. And generally, it does a good job. But what happens when an attacker gets both the password and the authentication code?
Passwords and one-time codes can be compromised through phishing, malware, MITM, or other attacks. And with AI agents becoming increasingly capable of navigating websites and interacting with online services, attackers could automate account takeover attempts at a scale that was previously much harder to achieve.
But what if having the correct password and 2FA code still wasn’t enough?
What if 2FA verified how you type?
At TypingDNA, we’ve taken a different approach with Verify 2FA.
Instead of retrieving a code, users type four words displayed on screen. Our technology analyzes how those words are typed, including keystroke timing and individual typing style, and compares that behavior against the user’s enrolled typing pattern.
An attacker might steal your password, trick you into revealing an SMS code, or gain access to your phone. But none of those things gives them your typing pattern.
And while AI agents are becoming quite capable of automating login processes, entering the correct text is very different from reproducing the typing behavior of a specific individual.
Typing biometrics authentication introduces a different challenge, especially for automated attacks relying on stolen, phished or forged credentials.
There’s also the convenience factor
One of the reasons we developed Verify 2FA was to eliminate the need for phones, authenticator apps, and hardware tokens.
Users simply type four words in their browser. No switching devices, retrieving codes, or waiting for an SMS.
For organizations, this also means fewer dependencies on personal devices and authentication hardware, particularly useful in environments where phones aren’t permitted.
Verify 2FA integrates with existing identity platforms such as Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, and Ping, without requiring organizations to replace their authentication infrastructure.
Why this matters in the age of AI
For years, the conversation around 2FA has focused on improving security while reducing friction for legitimate users. That remains important, and phishing-resistant methods such as passkeys and security keys have significant advantages.
But AI-driven automation introduces another concern: how easily can an attacker impersonate someone using stolen or phished credentials?
A password verifies something you know. A conventional OTP verifies access to an authentication secret or out of band channel, which can sometimes be compromised through various methods. Typing biometrics adds another signal: does the way someone types match the legitimate user?
This doesn’t replace other security controls or make authentication phishing-resistant by itself, but it can make automated impersonation more difficult.
Verify 2FA was designed to make authentication simpler by removing the need for phones. In the age of AI agents, its ability to make account takeover harder, even when traditional credentials are compromised, may be just as valuable.
Learn more about Verify 2FA or contact us to discuss integration with your existing authentication infrastructure.