The FAQ of the guide says:

Question:     What is protection mode?
Answer:     Protection mode is a feature which prevents empires from being completely wiped out by enemy forces. The benefit of protection mode is that whilst in it, no attacks or hostile operations can be made towards your empire (this only counts for planets which have been owned for longer than 48 hours). Your empire will enter protection mode if you lose 50% of your planets (of which you have owned for longer than 48 hours) within a 24 hour period. Any planets lost which were explored or attacked in the last 48 hours will not be eligible for protection
Protection mode lasts for 48 hours. However, before this time performing any of the following WILL also take your empire out of protection:
- Attacks on anyone (i.e. sending a fleet)
- Performing special operations
- Exploration

Someone just went into p-mode, but the planets that they took recently (less than 48hrs) are not able to be attacked.  Is this a bug, or is the guide outdated?