Start by ensuring that you have anti-virus software installed on your computer. IST provides information on how to install anti-virus software and virus alerts are posted as they become available.
The next step is to make sure your system and software is up-to-date and patched. Operating system specific information is available.
In addition to virus software, there are other things you should do to protect your data.
Information is also available on Security of UW
Computing and Network Resources and on Security "How To"
documents.