Synchronization keeps a current state
iCloud Drive is designed to sync files between devices. A change made on one device appears on the others. That convenience is why an accidental edit or deletion can also propagate before anyone notices.
A backup keeps recoverable history
A useful backup separates recovery points from the live files, verifies what was stored and lets you choose an earlier version. It should also make incomplete or corrupt copies visible as failures rather than silently treating them as safe.
Keep files available
Synchronizes supported current data through an Apple Account and manages local download state.
Create recovery points
Encrypts selected Mac data, commits authenticated history and supports selective recovery with a separate Recovery Kit.
Using them together
An ElseKept repository can live inside iCloud Drive. In that arrangement, ElseKept owns backup history and encryption while iCloud transports the encrypted repository. The distinction matters: iCloud availability does not prove that a recovery point is complete or downloaded.
Do not rely on one account
Account lockout, provider deletion or a lost Recovery Kit can still defeat a single-copy plan. Keep the kit separately and add another encrypted destination when the data matters.