The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word HOUSE-SAT
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
H
O
U
S
E
-
S
A
T
More clues leading to the result HOUSE-SAT
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Provided home security for one away" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case provided home security for one away = house-sat.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HOUSE-SAT mean?
HOUSE-SAT verb- To live temporarily in someone else's home for the purpose of protecting and tending to it in the owner's or tenant's absence.