Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must implement security measures to protect customer and financial data during firearm sales and comply with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations. Through our reliable, ATF-compliant software, FastBound provides secure storage to more FFLs than any other provider. Our innovative solutions prioritize security through advanced data encryption, Transport Layer Security, and Guaranteed Legal Defense from FFLGuard.
Security Measures
It’s important to remember that under 27 CFR 478.23, all FFLs agree to warrantless search and seizure of “any records or documents.” Cloud storage solutions like FastBound provide robust security measures for FFLs, including encryption, regular backups, and advanced access controls. By requiring a signed subpoena issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, FastBound helps FFL dealers secure sensitive information.
Electronic A&D
A firearms acquisition and disposition (A&D) record, or “bound book”, tracks all firearms that FFLs receive and sell. This record helps FFLs manage their inventory and maintain compliance by providing valuable information from these records to law enforcement and the ATF.
A&Ds can be kept in print format as physically bound books or electronically. Our ATF-approved Electronic A&D software helps you avoid misplaced pages or handwriting errors by making all of your records accessible in one place.
Form 4473
The Firearm Transaction Record, or Form 4473, is a seven-page document used to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer. Five of the most common violations cited in the report from ATF’s most recent fiscal year, affecting tens of thousands of cases, were directly related to Form 4473, including:
- 27 CFR 478.124(c)(1): Failure to obtain a completed ATF F 4473
- 27 CFR 478.124(c)(3)(iv): Failure to record NICS contact information on an ATF F 4473
- 27 CFR 478.124(c)(5): Failure by transferor to sign and/or date an ATF F 4473
- 27 CFR 478.124(c)(3)(i): Failure to verify or record Identification document on ATF F 4473
- 27 CFR 478.124(c)(4): Failure to record firearm information on an ATF F 4473
FastBound’s Electronic Form 4473 transforms your computer, tablet, or smartphone into a compliant form with no transaction fees. Complete with digital signature and digital storage support, the form is also offered in both English and Spanish to accommodate a wide range of users. FastBound processes over 50,000 digital 4473s every month.
Operated continuously since 2010, FastBound offers guaranteed legal defense and streamlined compliance for FFLs. Unlike many similar organizations, FastBound is not an FFL, which means that law enforcement agencies must provide probable cause and obtain a subpoena. Through dependable data encryption, TLS, and HSTS software, we have adapted our services for the digital age while still prioritizing security for firearm dealers.
Secure Firearm Record Storage
Under 27 CFR 478.23, on-premise servers are a liability as “any records or documents” can be seized. Thanks to FastBound’s separate and partitioned database storage, if ATF wants to seize your records, it’s clear what they need to take to get the records they need with the bare minimum information required by law.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
FastBound uses 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption to protect your files when they’re at rest. Database backups are also encrypted using AES.
Transport Layer Security (TLS)
When files are in transit between your web browser and our servers, we use TLS to create a secure tunnel for these files. This tunnel is protected by 128-bit or higher AES encryption.
Fraud Prevention
To protect against fraud and data breaches, FastBound flags authentication cookies as secure. We also utilize HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) to protect against protocol downgrade attacks and cookie hijacking.
The Benefits of FastBound’s Solutions
Operated continuously since 2010, FastBound offers guaranteed legal defense and streamlined compliance for FFLs. Unlike many similar organizations, FastBound is not an FFL, which means that law enforcement agencies must provide probable cause and obtain a subpoena. Through dependable data encryption, TLS, and HSTS software, we have adapted our services for the digital age while still prioritizing security for firearm dealers.
How FastBound’s FFL Software Protects Your Data
Operated continuously since 2010, FastBound offers guaranteed legal defense and streamlined compliance for FFLs. Unlike many similar organizations, FastBound is not an FFL, which means that law enforcement agencies must provide probable cause and obtain a subpoena. Through dependable data encryption, TLS, and HSTS software, we have adapted our services for the digital age while still prioritizing security for firearm dealers.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Form 4473 cannot be completed at home. It must be finished at the FFL’s licensed premises or another designated location. However, once you’re at the appropriate location, the form can be completed online through FastBound’s Electronic Form 4473 services.
FFLs should report any firearm thefts or losses within 48 hours to the ATF’s Stolen Firearms Program at 1-888-930-9275. The ATF Form 3310.11 should also be completed and mailed to the ATF’s National Tracing Center. Following these protocols can help you avoid legal compliance complications.
No, in most cases, the ATF does not need a warrant to enter the premises of any licensee or permittee to inspect or examine any records or documents required to be kept by the law. Any licensee or permittee who refuses to permit the inspection or examination is subject to having his or her license or permit revoked. FastBound’s secure, cloud-based storage prioritizes security by requiring a signed subpoena issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, allowing the ATF to take only the information they need if your records are ever seized.