What is the purpose of an anomaly detection system?

An anomaly detection system is designed specifically to identify patterns that deviate from expected behavior within a dataset. This capability allows it to recognize instances that stand out from the norm, which could indicate various situations such as fraud, network intrusions, or faults in manufacturing processes. By focusing on the deviations, an anomaly detection system helps organizations respond to unusual events, ensuring they can address potential issues promptly.

In focusing on this particular function, the system develops a baseline of normal behavior and applies statistical or machine learning techniques to flag occurrences that differ from this baseline. This is crucial in various fields, including cybersecurity, finance, and quality control, where identifying anomalies promptly can prevent significant losses or issues.

The other options, while relevant to different aspects of system functionality or organizational needs, do not capture the primary purpose of an anomaly detection system as effectively as identifying deviations from expected behavior does.