Which of the following is a characteristic of an access control list (ACL)?

An access control list (ACL) is a crucial security feature used to manage and enforce permissions for digital objects, such as files, directories, or network resources. By defining who has access to particular resources and what actions they can perform (like read, write, or execute), ACLs play an essential role in ensuring that sensitive information is protected and that users have the appropriate level of access based on their roles or needs.

The other options don't accurately represent the characteristics of an ACL. While logging user activities is a function associated with certain security measures, it is not a primary characteristic of ACLs. Additionally, ACLs are not limited to hardware devices; they can also be implemented in software applications and operating systems. Lastly, ACLs are designed to restrict access, not to provide unlimited access, which goes against the very purpose of implementing access control mechanisms.