What is the primary function of Anomaly-Based Detection?

The primary function of anomaly-based detection is to learn and identify normal activities within a system or network. This approach establishes a baseline of what constitutes typical behavior, allowing the system to detect deviations from that norm. By understanding the normal patterns of data traffic, user behavior, and system operations, anomaly-based detection can effectively identify unusual activities that may indicate potential security threats or attacks.

This method is particularly valuable because it can uncover previously unknown threats that do not match known attack signatures, making it a proactive approach to security. It focuses on recognizing anomalies that could signify malicious actions, which is vital in a landscape where new threat vectors are constantly emerging. Thus, understanding what is considered 'normal' is key to identifying potential security incidents.