Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for providing secure communications. One aspect of an embodiment of the invention creates a virtual private connection to a remote server or network utilizing a connection server and at least one direct connection between a client device and the remote server, without utilizing the Internet. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a client operating system is taken over by a vertical function operating system to service the communication with the remote server. Still another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention comprises a client device establishing a connection with a remote server through a connection server and at least one direct connection, shutting down a first operating system, starting up a second secure operating system, and launching an interface application with the second operating system to conduct electronic transactions with the remote server.