Storing data in the cloud can be safe with careful consideration and implementation of best practices. Reputable cloud service providers invest in advanced security technologies like encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems and regularly update their security measures. 

They often comply with stringent industry standards and regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2, providing assurances about their security practices. Additionally, cloud providers offer scalable solutions and data redundancy across multiple locations, ensuring data availability and recovery in case of hardware failures or disasters.

However, potential risks must be mitigated by understanding the shared responsibility model, where cloud providers secure the infrastructure while customers are responsible for protecting their data, applications, and access controls.

Misconfigured cloud settings can lead to data exposure, so regular audits, proper configuration management, and continuous monitoring are essential. Strong access controls, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and regular review of access permissions, can prevent unauthorized access to cloud-stored data.