Security challenges in a port environment Port security is the law and treaty enforcement measures taken to defend the port against terrorism activities. This is achieved by inspection of cargo moving through the ports as well as providing maritime security. The major challenges faced by ports authorities include vulnerabilities to terrorist attacks resulting from security breaches in the aspects of container shipping industry. With the increase in maritime traffic, there is concern of passenger or cargo hijackings and pirate attacks as well as accountability of shipping containers ferried worldwide. The largest area of concern in terms of security and vulnerability is the security of containers. It becomes a difficult task when securing, tracking and shipping security containers.