Protected, being prudent (7)
I believe the answer is:
guarded
I believe this is a double definition.
'protected' is the first definition.
(guarding is a kind of protecting)
'prudent' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'being' is the link.
(Other definitions for guarded that I've seen before include "Protected, defended" , "Kept watch over" , "Cautious, having reservations" , "offered protection" , "Cagey or protected" .)