Java 1.7.51 internet restrictions for applets

Question

In the previous months I developed a sandbox Java applet for an academic project. I wasn't able to sign it with a trusted Certificate Authority because of the restricted budget. With the release of Java 1.7.51 I found that the new security restrictions forbid the execution of the applet, because of the lack of signature.

Until now, I have found two rough solutions to this problem:

1. ask the user to include the applet page on his/her exception lists;
2. ask the user to set the Java security level to "Medium" (which, of course, is a risky manoeuvre).

Is there a way to overcome the restrictions imposed by Java with a self-signed applet without asking the user to change the security settings?

I would deeply thank you for your answers, since the option to buy a trusted certificate remains an expensive one.

Answer 1

Is there a way to overcome the restrictions imposed by Java with a self-signed applet without asking the user to change the security settings?

Short answer, no. Long answer, nope.