BEIJING - An official with China's banking regulator on Thursday warned commercial banks of risks associated with information technology and urged the sector to safeguard information security.

Yan Qingmin, vice chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission, said at a forum that information technology will have a profound influence on the banking sector's risk management.

"Risk associated with information technology is almost the only one that may instantly cripple banking businesses," Yan said.

Banks must take measures to ensure the security of clients' information, banks' information systems, as well as financial information, he said.