Like many of the other types of servers presented thus far, a proxy server is a program, or service, that can run on a physical device hosting other types of services or servers. The intent of a proxy server is to provide a measure of security. A proxy server provides security by functioning as an intermediary between a client and a server. This fact should be clearer after the term proxy is defined. Being a proxy literally means having the authority to act for another. Thus, if a person is a proxy, that person has another person's authority to act on his or her behalf. Say that a public figure was concerned for her privacy or safety and did not want to meet with a group of reporters. She might designate a proxy to meet with the reporters. The proxy would then communicate back to the public figure what the reporters wanted her to know. Thus, the proxy acts as a layer between the public figure and the reporters. A proxy server functions in a similar manner.