Which security measure would BEST alert an administrator when a hard drive is removed from the server room?

The use of RFID chips stands out as the most effective security measure for alerting an administrator when a hard drive is removed from the server room. RFID technology enables real-time tracking of assets within a designated area. By attaching RFID tags to hard drives, administrators can monitor their location continuously.

When a tagged hard drive is moved outside of a predefined area, the RFID system can trigger an alarm or send a notification to the administrator's device, ensuring prompt awareness of any unauthorized removal. This proactive alert system is particularly valuable for protecting sensitive data housed on hard drives.

In contrast, while security cameras can provide visual evidence of theft or unauthorized removal, they do not offer real-time alerts or direct notifications. Security cameras rely on human observation or recording, which may lead to delays in response. Similarly, server and cabinet locks serve to physically secure the hardware but do not provide any immediate alerts when items are accessed or removed. A mantrap, which controls access to secure areas, also fails to directly monitor individual item removal and would not alert administrators in real-time regarding specific assets. Thus, RFID chips present the best option for immediate alerts in the event of a hard drive being removed.