Samsung Knox, a version of Android originally intended to address the mobile security needs of enterprise IT without invading the privacy of employees, has been made available to all users of its high-end devices and has become a solution for both work and play.

The idea is that Knox provides "a container" a separate security execution environment within which security is enforced by a system-level connection system. Applications that run outside that security container will only have limited access to data stored inside the container. while all user data stored inside the security container is protected from malware and phishing attacks as well as hacking attempts carried out on the physical device. That means Knox protects your data within the secure container even if your phone is lost or stolen.

Knox was first announced in April when Samsung revealed its plans to include it on devices targeted at organisations with IT departments that would be able to implement its security features and in the intervening period Knox-enabled devices have already been approved by the US Department of Defense for use in its networks.

Now, at the same time as unveiling the new Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition at the IFA trade show in Berlin, Samsung has confirmed that it will be available to "general" consumers, explaining that that users of this new tablet and the Note 3, a 5.7in tablet-phone hybrid, would be able to activate Knox themselves, rather than relying IT departments having to do it for them.

Samsung’s senior vice president for the Knox Business Group, Injong Rhee, said the service will allow users of the devices to store images, documents, video and other personal data in a secure container within the device, while applications such as corporate email contacts and calendar can also be added. Samsung is still interested in the enterprise sector According to Rhee:

“The availability of Samsung Knox to consumers will accelerate the adoption of Samsung devices for BYOD as prosumers can now readily experience Samsung Knox with ease at no cost."

Several sessions at the forthcoming Samsung Developer Conference will be devoted to Knox and its use in the enterprise.