In this work we present the DESERT tool that allows the automatic generation of distributed monitoring systems for enhancing security and dependability of a component-based application at architectural level. The DESERT language permits to specify both the components interfaces and interaction properties in term of correct components communications. DESERT uses these specifications to generate one filter for each component. Each filter locally detects when its component communications violate the property and can undertake a set of reaction policies. DESERT allows the definition of different reaction policies to enhance system security and dependability. DESERT has been used to monitor applications running on both mobile and wired infrastructures.