Piracy poses a serious threat to maritime security. It is defined by the UN as any illegal act of violence on the high seas. The major affected region is the Horn of Africa, where pirates threaten merchant vessels traveling through the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters. In response, the IMO introduced the ISPS Code in 2004 to establish security standards for ships and ports. Piracy involves armed robbery, drug smuggling, and creates insecurity for crews and trade. Jurisdictional issues between states make it difficult to prosecute perpetrators. New technologies and intelligence are needed to track vessels and combat piracy through improved maritime security.