ATF Audit-Proofing Your Business: The Unseen Power of E4473 Compliance Automation

For Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), staying on top of the ever-evolving landscape of ATF regulations is not just a best practice—it’s a critical requirement for a successful and legally sound business. One of the most common challenges FFLs face is ensuring every single Form 4473 is filled out perfectly. A single, small error can lead to a violation, fines, or even the loss of your license.  This is where the transformative power of E4473 Compliance Automation comes in, offering a strategic solution that is rapidly becoming the industry standard.  What is Compliance Automation in E4473?  At its core, compliance automation within an E4473 software solution is a sophisticated system of checks and balances designed to guarantee accuracy. It’s more than just a digital version of a paper form; it’s an intelligent platform that acts as your dedicated compliance officer on every single transaction.  Real-time Validation: These solutions are engineered with every single ATF regulation built into their framework. As a customer fills out the form, the system performs real-time validation, flagging missing fields, incorrect information, or answers that may require further follow-up. This proactive approach eliminates a significant number of common errors before they are ever finalized.  Automatic Updates: One of the most powerful features is the ability to automatically update when the ATF revises the Form 4473. With recent legislative changes, such as those from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, forms are subject to revision. A robust E4473 platform automatically pushes these updates, ensuring you are always using the most current, legally compliant form without any manual effort or risk of using an outdated version.  Why This Automation is Your Best Defense  Peace of Mind: Knowing that every transaction is being meticulously checked by a system designed to enforce compliance and minimize errors provides unparalleled peace of mind. You can focus on serving your customers and growing your business, rather than constantly worrying about record-keeping integrity.  Time and Cost Savings: Manual record-keeping is not only prone to error but is also a significant time sink. Compliance automation eliminates countless hours spent on double-checking forms, correcting mistakes, and physically organizing paperwork, freeing up your team to be more productive.  Audit-Proofing Your FFL: The primary goal of every FFL is a clean ATF audit. The overwhelming majority of violations found during an inspection are related to mistakes on Form 4473. By automating compliance, you are building an audit-proof system that ensures your records are accurate, complete, and easily accessible—a true game-changer for your business’s security.  In an industry where the stakes are high, relying on a system that automates and guarantees your compliance isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Don’t leave your business’s future to chance.  Ready to see how E4473 compliance automation can protect your business and streamline your operations? Contact us today to learn more! 
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The A&D Book: Your Digital Guardian or Paper Pitfall?

For every Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), the Acquisition & Disposition (A&D) book isn’t just a record; it’s the heartbeat of your compliance. This “bound book” is the chronological log of every firearm that enters and leaves your inventory. Historically, it was a literal paper book. Today, however, managing this critical record on paper can be a time-consuming, error-prone endeavor – a potential pitfall in the eyes of the ATF.  We understand the unique challenges FFLs face and champion robust solutions designed for precision and peace of mind in compliance.  Why Your A&D Book is Non-Negotiable  The A&D book serves several vital purposes:  Traceability: It allows the ATF to trace the ownership of firearms from manufacturer to consumer, crucial for law enforcement investigations.  Accountability: It provides a clear record of every firearm in your possession, demonstrating your adherence to responsible business practices.  Compliance: Accurate and timely entries are a fundamental requirement of your FFL. Errors or omissions can lead to severe penalties, including fines, suspension, or even revocation of your license.  Best Practices for Maintaining Impeccable A&D Records  Whether you’re currently using paper or considering a digital transition, these best practices are essential:  Timely Recording:  Acquisitions: Every firearm received must be entered into your A&D book immediately upon receipt. This includes purchases, consignments, gunsmithing repairs, and returns.  Dispositions: Every firearm disposed of (sold, transferred, destroyed, returned to owner) must be recorded immediately upon disposition. The key is “contemporaneously” – as it happens, not at the end of the day or week.  Complete and Accurate Entries:  Acquisition Information: Date of acquisition, name and address of the transferor (or FFL name and license number), manufacturer, importer (if any), model, serial number, type, caliber/gauge.  Disposition Information: Date of disposition, name and address of the transferee (or FFL name and license number), and the ATF Form 4473 serial number (for non-licensee transfers).  No Erasures or White-Out: For paper books, corrections must be made by drawing a single line through the error, writing the correct information, and initialing/dating the change. Digital systems handle corrections with audit logs, maintaining a clear history.  Managing Repairs and Consignments:  Firearms taken in for repair or on consignment must be properly acquired into your A&D book.  When the repaired firearm is returned to its original owner, it must be properly disposed of, often linked to the initial acquisition entry.  Consigned firearms that are sold through your FFL follow the standard disposition process.  Reconciliation with Physical Inventory:  Regularly reconcile your A&D book with your physical inventory. This involves comparing what your book says you have to what you physically possess.  Discrepancies must be investigated immediately. Unaccounted for firearms may need to be reported as lost or stolen.  Reporting Lost/Stolen Firearms Within 48 Hours:  This is a critical, federally mandated requirement. If a firearm is lost or stolen from your inventory, you must report it to both your local law enforcement agency and the ATF within 48 hours of discovery.  A corresponding entry must be made in your A&D book, noting “stolen” or “missing,” the date of discovery, and the ATF incident number.  Embrace Your Digital Guardian  While paper A&D books are still permissible, the advantages of electronic solutions are undeniable. They offer automated accuracy, real-time visibility, effortless reconciliation, audit-ready reports, and secure, compliant storage. They create a streamlined workflow that saves time and minimizes stress.  Don’t let your A&D book be a paper pitfall. Embrace the future of FFL compliance. Bravo Store Systems provides comprehensive inventory management and integrated A&D tracking, while E4473 empowers you with a digital solution for ATF Form 4473. Together, these systems can serve as your reliable digital guardians, helping you stay compliant and allowing you to focus on what you do best: serving your customers and growing your business.   
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ATF Inspection Readiness: Is Your FFL Audit-Proof? Let E4473 & Bravo Store Systems Help You Be Prepared!

Running a successful Federal Firearms License (FFL) business comes with significant responsibility, and one of the most crucial aspects is ensuring ongoing compliance with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations. The prospect of an ATF inspection can feel daunting, but with the right preparation and the right tools, you can move from feeling vulnerable to being confidently “audit-proof.”  At E4473 and Bravo Store Systems, we understand the complexities of FFL compliance. We’ve seen firsthand how meticulous record-keeping, well-trained staff, and an inspection-ready premise are the cornerstones of a compliant and thriving business . Let’s dive into what you can expect during an ATF inspection, common pitfalls to avoid, and proactive steps to ensure your FFL is always prepared.  Understanding the ATF’s Authority and the Inspection Process  ATF Industry Operations Investigators (IOIs) have the authority to conduct routine compliance inspections to ensure FFLs are adhering to federal laws and regulations. These inspections are crucial for public safety and preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands.  Typically, an inspection may involve:  Review of your Acquisition and Disposition (A&D) records: Ensuring all firearms received and disposed of are accurately and promptly documented.  Examination of your ATF Forms 4473: Verifying proper completion, retention, and adherence to procedures for firearm transfers.  Verification of your inventory: Conducting physical counts to reconcile with your A&D records.  Assessment of your security measures: Evaluating your premises to prevent theft or loss of firearms.  Review of your processes for reporting multiple sales, lost or stolen firearms, etc.  Knowing what to expect is the first step towards preparedness. The ATF provides guidance and resources, but having systems in place to manage these requirements efficiently is paramount.  Common Pitfalls That Trigger Violations  While seemingly minor errors can lead to citations, some common pitfalls consistently appear in ATF inspection reports. These include:  Errors on Form 4473: Missing information, incorrect dates, illegible handwriting, or improper identification verification are frequent issues. This is where E4473.com truly shines. Their digital platform streamlines the Form 4473 process, offering built-in validation rules, electronic signatures, and secure storage, significantly reducing the chances of these costly errors.  Inaccurate or Incomplete A&D Records: Failing to record acquisitions or dispositions in a timely manner, missing crucial details like serial numbers, or discrepancies between physical inventory and records are major red flags. Bravo Store Systems offers a robust point-of-sale and inventory management system designed specifically for firearm retailers. Their integrated A&D tracking ensures your records are accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible, making reconciliation a breeze.  Failure to Maintain an Inspection-Ready Premise: This includes disorganized records, inadequate security measures, or an environment that doesn’t allow for efficient inspection.  Proactive Steps to Ensure You’re Always Ready for an Audit  Being “audit-proof” isn’t about fearing inspections; it’s about demonstrating a commitment to compliance every day. Here are proactive steps you can take:  Maintain an Inspection-Ready Premise:  Organize your records logically and ensure they are readily accessible.  Establish a designated area for inspections where you can comfortably work with the IOI.  Ensure adequate lighting and a clean environment.  Review and update your security measures regularly.  Understand ATF’s Authority and Regulations:  Stay informed about the latest ATF rulings, guidance, and regulations. Subscribe to ATF updates and participate in industry training.  Have a clear understanding of your responsibilities as an FFL.  Have Key Documents Readily Available:  Maintain organized files of all required federal, state, and local licenses and permits.  Ensure your A&D records are up-to-date and easily searchable (digital systems like Bravo Store Systems make this seamless).  Have a readily accessible system for retrieving completed ATF Forms 4473 (the secure digital storage offered by E4473 Cloud Storage.com is invaluable here).  Keep records of any correspondence with the ATF.  Invest in Comprehensive Staff Training:  Your staff is your first line of defense in ensuring compliance. Provide thorough and ongoing training on all relevant ATF regulations and your store’s compliance procedures.  Ensure everyone understands the importance of accurate record-keeping, proper Form 4473 completion, and identifying potential red flags.  Regularly quiz staff on key compliance areas.  E4473 & Bravo Store Systems: Your Partners in Compliance  In today’s regulatory environment, relying on manual processes can leave you vulnerable. E4473 empowers you with a digital solution for ATF Form 4473, drastically reducing errors and streamlining the transfer process. Coupled with the comprehensive inventory management and integrated A&D tracking of Bravo Store Systems, you have a powerful compliance toolkit at your fingertips.  By embracing these proactive steps and leveraging the efficiency and accuracy offered by solutions like E4473 and Bravo Store Systems, you can significantly enhance your ATF inspection readiness. Instead of fearing an audit, you can approach it with confidence, knowing that your commitment to compliance is evident in every aspect of your FFL business. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay prepared – your license depends on it!   
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5 Benefits of Using Technology/Software for Your ATF Compliance

A picture of bullets
5 Benefits of Using Technology/Software for Your ATF Compliance As a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), you have a lot of responsibilities and obligations to ensure your business operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Managing your firearm compliance can be a daunting and time-consuming task, especially if you rely on manual processes and paper records. Fortunately, there are technology and software solutions that can help you streamline and simplify your ATF compliance, saving you time, money, and hassle. Here are five benefits of using technology/software for your ATF compliance: 1. Automate Record-Keeping and Reporting One of the most important aspects of ATF compliance is maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of all your firearm transactions, acquisitions, dispositions, and inventory. You also need to submit various reports to the ATF, such as multiple sales reports, theft/loss reports, and trace requests. Technology/software can automate these processes, reducing the risk of human errors, omissions, and inconsistencies. You can easily enter, retrieve, and update data using electronic forms and databases, and generate and submit reports with a few clicks. This can save you hours of tedious and repetitive work and ensure that your records and reports are always compliant. 2. Streamline Background Checks Another crucial aspect of ATF compliance is conducting background checks on firearm buyers using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This ensures that only eligible individuals can purchase firearms from you and prevents illegal sales and transfers. Technology/software can streamline this process, allowing you to integrate with NICS and perform background checks quickly and easily. You can also store and access the results of background checks and flag any potential issues or discrepancies. This can speed up your transactions, improve your customer service, and reduce your liability. 3. Manage Inventory and Serial Numbers As an FFL, you need to keep track of your firearm inventory and serial numbers and report any changes or discrepancies to the ATF. This can be a challenging and complex task, especially if you have a large or diverse inventory, or multiple locations. Technology/software can help you manage your inventory and serial numbers, by providing you with tools to scan, label, and track your firearms. You can also monitor your inventory levels, perform physical counts, and reconcile any differences. This can help you optimize your inventory management, prevent theft or loss, and comply with inventory requirements. 4. Simplify Audits and Inspections As an FFL, you are subject to periodic audits and inspections by the ATF, to verify your compliance with the laws and regulations. These audits and inspections can be stressful and disruptive, especially if you are not prepared or organized. Technology/software can simplify audits and inspections, by facilitating the retrieval of necessary records and documentation. You can also use technology/software to conduct self-audits and identify and correct any violations or discrepancies before the ATF does. This can help you avoid fines, penalties, or revocation of your license. 5. Enhance Security and Data Protection As an FFL, you handle sensitive and confidential information, such as customer and vendor data, firearm serial numbers, and background check results. You need to protect this information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure, and comply with the data protection laws and regulations. Technology/software can enhance your security and data protection, by providing you with features such as encryption, password protection, user access control, and backup and recovery. You can also use technology/software to monitor and audit your data activities and detect and prevent any breaches or incidents. This can help you safeguard your data, reputation, and business.   Using technology/software for your ATF compliance can offer you many benefits, such as automation, streamlining, simplification, security, and data protection. Technology/software can help you save time, money, and hassle, and improve your efficiency, accuracy, and customer service. E4473 Technology/software can also help you avoid or minimize the risks and consequences of non-compliance, such as fines, penalties, or revocation of your license.
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E4473 Now Offers First-Of-Its-Kind Cloud Storage

Launch of E4473 Cloud Storage
Gone are the days of keeping endless boxes of 4473 paperwork in your backrooms and storage units. We are proud to announce our newest solution for the management of firearms transactions: E4473 Cloud Storage. Keep all of your paperwork in a secure, electronic format, including Form 4473. Learn more about how our ATF-compliant cloud storage solution works and how to sign up for it today. What is E4473 Cloud Storage? E4473 Cloud Storage allows you to securely store all of your customers’ 4473 forms online. You can also upload and store any other additional documentation that may be necessary for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), such as a copy of a customer’s concealed carry permit. Why choose E4473 Cloud Storage? Our paperless storage allows FFLs to securely store all 4473 forms and other ATF-required forms in an electronic format in a centralized online location. This online environment is secure, encrypted, and ATF-compliant, as well as updated in real-time. Our first-to-market solution means that firearm retailers will now have a complete, 360° digital solution for firearm transactions, providing a path for profitable growth and scale. There are countless reasons to be excited about E4473 Cloud Storage, but here are a few of our favorites: Paperless storage eliminates thousands of storage boxes and paper documents. This allows for easy and fast retrieval of 4473 forms and other required documents for traces and audits. It also includes 20-year storage of all required forms, in accordance with ATF regulations. The ATF Audit Portal allows agents to seamlessly perform E4473 audits with a restricted-access audit portal built directly into the E4473 Cloud Storage solution. Our Variance Application Assistance equips customers with everything they need to complete the ATF variance application, including an application template with completed answers to ATF questions. Our training resources make it easy for customers and ATF agents to start using E4473 Cloud Storage. These include step-by-step audit guides and videos. It’s important to note that E4473 is not a national registry nor a data marketing service. We don’t sell customer or consumer data to the ATF nor any other third-party services. E4473 has several systems and processes in place to shield your data and keep your information secure 24/7/365. Can the ATF use E4473 Cloud Storage? When and if the ATF does need a document from you, it will no longer disrupt your daily business operations. E4473 Cloud Storage makes it much easier for FFLs to comply with and respond to ATF trace and audit requests in a few different ways: All 4473 forms are legible and organized for easy reading and retrieval by employees and ATF agents. All 4473 forms and other ATF-required documentation are stored in a centralized online location, rather than physical boxes in a storage room. There is a built-in ATF Audit Portal that allows agents to easily perform in-store audits. The ATF portal gives ATF agents access to everything they need to perform the audit without giving access to parts of your Bravo System they don’t need. How can I sign up for paperless storage? It couldn’t be more simple! Let us know you’re interested, and a dedicated representative will reach out to assist you. Your rep can show you a live demo of E4473 Cloud Storage and how it works, as well as help to kick off your variance approval process upon signing up. The sooner you sign up for paperless storage access, the sooner you can start! Ready to go paperless and improve the way you do business? Sign up for E4473 Cloud Storage today.
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Why Bravo POS Customers Need E4473

Desktop view of E4473 for Bravo POS users
There’s no better way to manage your inventory than with Bravo Store Systems point of sale (POS), but it’s time to take your store to the next level. E4473 is the only 360-degree digital solution that integrates with the Bravo Platform POS for Form 4473—allowing you to quickly and securely process firearm transactions. With seamless integration into your POS, E4473 allows you to safely and easily sell firearms to your customers while saving yourself time and stress. Learn more about why Bravo POS customers need E4473. Why you need E4473 E4473 is an end-to-end digital verification process that cuts out the need for paper versions of Form 4473—no more printing, wet signing, faxing, scanning, mailing, or filing. Integrating E4473 into your Bravo POS is a smart move for both you and your customers, as it ensures your customers’ information is always secure and ATF-compliant. Better for your customers When you use E4473 for your firearm verification process, your customers will love how easy it is for them to fill out the necessary forms in minutes right from their own smartphone. That’s right—no wait times. There are also commonly asked questions, definitions, and exceptions listed within the form to help your customers fill out each field correctly. Your customers can rest assured that their data is always protected with E4473, too, thanks to a secure sign-in process and round-the-clock data monitoring. They’ll love how quickly they can get through firearm verification at your store and move through the purchase process to go home as soon as possible with their latest acquisition. Better for your business No matter the size of your business, E4473 will eliminate the need for manual data entry and help cut down on any potential employee errors. We stay on top of all of the latest releases, regulations, and requirements from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and are constantly updating our system accordingly. Your employees will also be able to easily complete background checks with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which can be completed via form or phone call. E4473 has easy data transfer capabilities from the digital Form 4773 to the NICS form to help streamline the process for your store. Optimized for every major operating system, E4473 can be run both on your customers’ phones and your in-store retail kiosks to give them options. With multi-user capability, there’s never any issue with multiple customers or employees using the system simultaneously, removing any worries about errors or timeouts. You can remotely access the E4473 system from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. To simplify things even further, the E4473 system can also be integrated into your POS with ease, allowing you to have full control all in one place. Make your life easier and your customers happier with E4473. Sign up for a free demo today!
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9 Ways E4473 Brings Your Business Into the 21st Century

Guns on display at a store
E4473 is not just another piece of technology. It’s not just for large firearm retailers or e-commerce firearm stores, either. Bringing your business up to speed has never been easier than with our E4473 system, which fully digitizes the process of firearm verification requests and background checks. It’s time to get with the times, so here are nine ways switching to E4473 will bring your business into the 21st century. Upgrades galore: How E4473 will elevate your store 1. Digital signature and submission With digital paperwork, this means no more printing, wet signing, faxing, scanning, mailing, or filing. Digital signatures can be recorded and submitted from any mobile device. 2. Digital storage You no longer have to deal with physical copies of customers’ paperwork nor having to worry about keeping those copies safe. You’ll also save thousands of dollars a year on paper and always be able to access your forms remotely. 3. Developed for businesses of all sizes E4473 works for pawn shops, small gun shops, e-commerce firearm stores, large firearm retailers, and everywhere in between. Our different pricing packages accommodate every type of business and are based on your unique needs. 4. Bulletproof security With round-the-clock security, your data is being kept safe 24/7/365. We also perform ongoing data back-ups to ensure none of your information is ever lost and offer the utmost in customer privacy and verification, including a secure sign-in process and two-factor authentication. 5. Happier customers Being able to fill out the necessary forms in minutes and from their own mobile device means wait times are a thing of the past. This also means customers can get through the entire verification process and go home with their new firearm much more quickly. 6. Easy-entry NICS system Gone are the days of manually filling out forms for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Our Easy-Entry NICS system ensures error-free forms, accurate background checks, and automatic compliance updates. 7. Integration with Bravo Platform POS Seamless integration with the Bravo Platform POS means you won’t have to change a thing about the way you operate. This allows you to streamline your in-store and even further improve your customer experience. 8. Faster ATF audits E4473 stays up-to-date on all of the latest releases, regulations, and requirements by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), which means your forms, system, and storage are always 100% compliant with ATF regulations. When it comes time for an audit, digital paperwork is also much quicker and easier to go through, as there is less room for error and issues with legibility. 9. Empowered employees The E4473 system comes with exclusive access to 24/7 online training videos, as well as FAQ and support. Inside the platform, each section of the application also has questions with definitions and exceptions to make everything easy to understand and refer back to. Want to see E4473 in action? Schedule a free demo for your store today!
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Understanding Critical Threats to Gun Shops and How to Protect Your Store

E4-10 Most Critical Threats
Operating a firearm shop is no easy task and shouldn’t be taken lightly. For those in the firearm industry, it’s important to be aware of, and prepared for, the most critical threats to gun stores and pawn shops that sell firearms. There are several different safety steps you can implement to keep you and your store safe, both from government regulations and paperwork issues, as well as immediate threats, such as break-ins. Learn how E4473 plays a role in protecting your business from these potential issues. Keep your shop safe with E4473 One of the biggest threats to firearms sellers is customers manually completing the necessary paperwork. When you use paper versions of Form 4473—done by hand and stored in a file cabinet—the risk is too high for that paperwork to get lost, damaged in a potential fire, and/or simply take up too much physical space. Moreover, with a high possibility of human error, paper forms leave your gun store vulnerable to potential fines by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for a store’s inability to adhere to standard ATF regulations. With the E4473 app, it’s out with the old, paper-based forms and in with our all-inclusive digital application that simplifies—and protects—the lives of both firearm retailers and customers alike. Eliminating any room for error, E4473 is 100% compliant with ATF regulations, offers easy-entry NICS submissions, and provides bulletproof data security. Perfect for pawn shops, small gun shops, e-commerce firearm stores, and large retailers alike, you’re protected at every step. If the ATF should ever audit your business, E4473’s customer support team will stand by you before, during, and after the audit. Other potential threats to firearm retailers In early May 2021, President Joe Biden called for federal gun safety regulation measures. Two bills to strengthen background checks for those purchasing firearms have recently passed in the House of Representatives. Despite these new developments, The Washington Post predicts Congress will not pass new national legislation, but only time will tell if the current president’s efforts will further complicate things for firearm retailers and owners. How else to keep your store safe A more immediate threat to gun and pawn shops are physical break-ins. Burglaries remain a serious cause for concern for firearm retailers. To best protect your store, 24/7 surveillance, security arms, and other such related devices are imperative to keeping your wares safe and sound and saving you the time, hassle, and money lost. According to The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), criminals specifically look for stores with a “lack of adequate perimeter and site security measures,” like fences and exterior lighting. They also target buildings with little to no security considerations, such as “smash-resistant doors, gates, glass, security grills and gates, exposed perimeter walls, and easy roof access.” Both inside and outside of your building, you must also consider the following: Types of locks Alarm systems Lack of and/or outdated security cameras and/or systems Inferior firearms storage inside your store, including lack of highly secure cases, safes, cable locks, and storage rooms While physical protection, like alarms and cameras, are of the utmost importance, you must also determine where your weak points are, or as the NSSF refers to it, “a site-specific threat analysis and vulnerability assessment,” in addition to what you and you and your team will do on the off chance that a break-in occurs. Both you and your team members will be grateful after having developed a “crisis response action plan,” should you find yourself in this situation. If you haven’t signed up for an E4473 demo yet, contact us today! Let us show you how to protect your store and make your customers happy with E4473.
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What it means to have secure digital storage in 2021

Secure Digital Storage
What is Secure Digital Storage? For anyone who is in business today, data is one of the most important assets. It’s also one that criminals are only too happy to steal. Or try to. Because of that, protecting your data needs to be a high priority. Putting a lock on your storeroom office isn’t enough. Having passwords on employee computers isn’t enough. Having a firewall on your network isn’t enough. And hoping that nobody will be interested in your data is definitely not enough.  So what does secure digital storage look like in 2021? Let’s look at four factors. Security Protocols For Secure Digital Storage For firearms dealers, the customer data collected on Form 4473 needs to be captured and then stored securely. Gun and pawnshop owners need to understand the sensitivity of the information they work with and take responsibility for their role in keeping it safe. If they’re using security protocols that aren’t compliant and stringent, including both document and storage encryption, they are putting their customer data at risk. Stringent security protocols include: Keeping firewalls up-to-date Organizing users by security level Proper key management Continuous monitoring and auditing Thorough staff training that doesn’t create unnecessary roadblocks to doing their work Secure E4473 Online Account Creating a secure E4473 online account is the easiest way to keep your data safe. Our 3-step account setup includes an admin email account verification and remote login security. Our system allows you to have complete control who can access your data at an employee level and protects your data from being accessed locally on office computers and in age-old filing cabinets. Not to mention our system allows for remote secure login from any computer that has internet access so that your account can be monitored even when you’re not in the office.   Strict Password Protocols Few people remember this now, but in 2013 Adobe had a data breach caused by weak password protocols. It was big and embarrassing. Weak passwords are an easy way into your records and therefore are a very important part of overall data security. “According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, compromised passwords are responsible for 81% of hacking-related breaches.” Among other things, secure passwords are long, but not necessarily complex, and should be protected by hashing before they’re stored. Make sure any system you use has strict password protocols.   Protection From Cyber Attacks Effective protection from cyber-attacks requires continuous monitoring of hacker’s actions and constant upgrades to your security protocols based on this knowledge. Sophisticated protection includes identifying the user’s network, device, and actions. Even the rate at which they are typing can be an important indicator of potential fraud.  E4473 is the first solution on the market to offer ATF-compliant Digital Storage. Our goal is to increase the safety and security around firearm transactions while helping to alleviate errors and time wasted. When you use E4473, you can have confidence that you are using the most up-to-date protocols for secure digital transactions and storage.
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Personal Identity Protection in the Firearms Industry

personal identity protection
Do legal gun purchasers have a right to anonymity? In light of the second amendment, that would seem to be a rhetorical question, but some gun control lobbyists have been arguing for years that making records of gun owners public will reduce crime. Personal identity protection and the storage of private data are critical issues for firearms dealers and their customers. Currently, gun ownership privacy is still protected by the federal government and Congress has enacted privacy-protective legislation in order to preserve second amendment rights. The 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act did several important things related to private personal data: It repealed certain recordkeeping requirements for the sale of ammunition. It prohibited the ATF from centralizing or computerizing firearms purchase records. It reduced criminal penalties for recordkeeping offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. It forbade the ATF from keeping a registry directly linking non-national firearms act firearms to their owners. Form 4473 and Privacy Most of the private information that a firearms dealer collects is on ATF Form 4473. Currently, the information gathered on this form is protected and its transfer is highly restricted. In addition to completing the 4473, FFLs must also record the sale in their transaction log. A dealer must keep this log the entire time he is in business and is required to surrender the log to the ATF when he retires.  Form 4473 contains the customer’s name and address, the background check transaction number, the gun’s serial number, and answers to questions about his or her eligibility to purchase a gun. The dealer must keep the Form 4473 for twenty years and is subject to inspection by the ATF. Many believe this record-keeping system creates an informal national firearm registration and that makes 2A supporters cautious.  While it is not centralized, it is important to note that the information of a gun purchaser is held by the retail dealer. Since licensed sellers, manufacturers and importers are responsible for recordkeeping, private data is only as secure as the storage and maintenance systems in which it’s held, which is something to think seriously about if there are concerns about personal identity protection for firearms transactions.  Personal Identity Protection Now and In the Future Beyond the Federal level, states vary considerably in how they prioritize privacy and regulations. Recently, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia introduced the “Gun Owners Privacy Act” (GOPA) which would prevent the government from unlawfully compiling and storing data from background checks on gun owners and further strengthen Federal regulations. Because firearms are a divisive topic in the United States it’s difficult to predict what regulations, or lack thereof, will come into play in the future. What gun owners and FFLs can do now, is ensure that their privacy and that of their customers is protected. The best way to do this is with secure electronic transactions and storage that guarantee 100% compliance such as E4473. E4473 eliminates the liability and hassle of paper records. It offers unmatched data security & consumer personal identity protection and operates with a five-star security protocol, including document encryption, storage encryption, and two-factor authentication.  E4473 provides bulletproof security and privacy, reducing liability for FFLs, and providing a better experience for customers.
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